Arsenal have already been in contact with Benfica over a summer move for Alejandro Grimaldo but face competition from Manchester City who have also made an enquiry.

Benfica's Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo (back C) scores past Nacional's Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel Guimaraes (R) during the Portuguese league football match between CD Nacional Funchal and SL Benfica at the Madeira stadium in Funchal on September 2, 2018. (Photo by Helder SANTOS / AFP / Getty Images)
Benfica’s Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo (back C) scores past Nacional’s Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel Guimaraes (R) during the Portuguese league football match between CD Nacional Funchal and SL Benfica at the Madeira stadium in Funchal on September 2, 2018. (Photo by Helder SANTOS / AFP / Getty Images)

At the start of the month, Grimaldo posted a picture of himself in London on Instagram, amid transfer rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.

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According to recent reports in Portugal, where Grimaldo plays for Benfica, Arsenal scouts have been watching him play as they look for a left-back to sign this summer. The 23-year-old has certainly been making a good impression, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 41 games this season, an impressive record for a defender.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo wrote last month that despite previous reports that Manchester City, Napoli and Inter Milan could be interested in a move for Grimaldo, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid were the two best-positioned clubs for his signature.

Sport, however, now claim that it is Arsenal and Manchester City who are the keenest with the player expected to leave Portugal this summer. Both sides have allegedly ‘already asked about their [Benfica and Grimaldo’s] situation.’

Manchester City apparently want him to replace Benjamin Mendy while Monchi, should he arrive at Arsenal, has ‘always been in love with his game’ according to the Spanish publication.

The Spaniard’s biggest strength is his passing, but he’s also a strong dribbler, crosser and he holds onto the ball well.