Arsenal are already looking forward to the summer transfer window for a new left-back, and they’re one of the two ‘best positioned’ clubs to sign Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica, according to reports.

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)

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo write 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.

The Gunners could present a formal offer soon, as they look to replace the ageing Nacho Monreal. The report suggests Arsenal plan to make an offer in the ‘winter market’, which is a bit strange, but presumably just a mistake.

Atletico have a 33-year-old left-back of their own to replace, with Filipe Luis set to leave at the end of the season. Both clubs clearly have a lot of motivation to make a signing in the position this summer. Grimaldo has a contract with Benfica to 2021, and Transfermarkt estimate his market value at £25.2m.

Joao Cancelo (L) of Juventus fights for the ball against Alejandro Grimaldo of Benfica during their 2018 International Champions Cup at the Red Bull Arena on July 28, 2018, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AFP / Getty Images)
Joao Cancelo (L) of Juventus fights for the ball against Alejandro Grimaldo of Benfica during their 2018 International Champions Cup at the Red Bull Arena on July 28, 2018, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AFP / Getty Images)

Grimaldo is having a very impressive season in Portugal. He has five goals and five assists in 34 appearances as a full-back, emphasising his ability to get forward effectively. The Spaniard’s biggest strength is his passing, but he’s also a strong dribbler, crosser and he holds onto the ball well.

At his age, adapting to a new league wouldn’t be too much of a problem, though the step up in competition would be the real test of his abilities. We’ll see if Arsenal go for the transfer this summer.