An Arsenal scout was present to watch Alejandro Grimaldo score once in a 10-0 Benfica thrashing of Nacional, according to reports in Portugal.

Over the weekend, Benfica became the first team since 1965 to score 10 goals in a Portuguese top-flight match, as they embarrassed Nacional. According to A Bola, an Arsenal scout was present for the performance, after plenty of reports last week linking The Gunners with a move for Alejandro Grimaldo.

It certainly didn’t take long for Grimaldo to make an impression, as he scored the game’s opening goal within 33 seconds. That put the left-back on six goals and five assists in 35 games this season, an impressive record for a defender.

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

Both Unai Emery and Diego Simeone could do with a new left-back, as they have ageing stars Nacho Monreal and Filipe Luis edging closer to their respective exits.

As mentioned Grimaldo is enjoying a very impressive season in Portugal, so he could be a good replacement, particularly given his age (23). The Spaniard’s biggest strength is his passing, but he’s also a strong dribbler, crosser and he holds onto the ball well.

Clearly, Grimaldo’s not getting much competition in Portugal, but perhaps that just shows he’s ready for the step up to the top five leagues. We’ll see.