Arsenal beating competition to sign Grimaldo may end Monreal’s Emirates career

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Arsenal are ahead of a host of clubs including Manchester City in the race for Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

They report that there is hot competition for the former Barcelona defender’s signature – with Pep Guardiola’s side looking for a new left-back amid Benjamin Mendy’s injury problems – but Arsenal are ahead of the reigning champions in the race.

There is also apparently the prospect that Grimaldo could go back to Spain, with Atletico Madrid – who beat Arsenal in the semi-finals of last season’s Europa League – Unai Emery’s closest competition.

Arsenal need a new long-term solution at left-back because Nacho Monreal has under 18 months left on his contract (ESPN) and at 33, is past his best anyway.

The feeling persists that if Arsenal are unable to secure a replacement in the summer, Monreal will battle on for another season.

But if Emery is able to go out and get a quality upgrade through the door, Monreal may be allowed to leave, because Arsenal have Sead Kolasinac to cover for Grimaldo, if he comes.

Beating City in the race would also be a major coup for Emery, especially seeing as the gap between the two sides was laid bare during last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.