Arsenal lead race to sign Alex Grimaldo with Man City also keen

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Benfica's in-demand left back Alex Grimaldo, according to reports in Spain.

The 23-year-old Spanish defender, a product of Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, has established himself as first choice for the Portuguese giants.

This has led to interest from several major European clubs, including Manchester City, Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal lead the way and could make an offer ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are in need of a younger alternative at left back - current first choice, Nacho Monreal, turns 33 at the end of this month.

While Unai Emery also has Saed Kolasinac available, the option of high quality competition in the form of Grimaldo has great appeal.

Of all the rivals to the Gunners, Mundo claim Atletico are likely to fight the hardest for Grimaldo due to their own pressing need for left-sided defensive reinforcements.

Former Chelsea left back Felipe Luis is out of contract this summer, while Lucas Hernandez is also attracting attention from major European clubs.

Arsenal are also potentially hampered by a lack of funds, with Emery reported to only have a transfer budget of £45million if they do not qualify for the Champions League.

Grimaldo, who cost Benfica less than £2m when he signed from Barca in 2016, would now command a fee of at least ten times that amount.