Why Tottenham should go all out to sign Alex Grimaldo from Benfica
As per Portuguese website A Bola (h/t The Sun), North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to battle for Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo. But they are likely to face competition from Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli. The report also claims that a fee of around £34m could tempt Benfica into a sale.
Alex Grimaldo, 24, joined Benfica from Barcelona’s B side in 2015 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the most talented left-backs in Europe.
The former Spain Under-21 international has developed into a key player for the Eagles in recent seasons, whilst starting the new campaign in impressive fashion.
Truly, the 24-year-old has supplied four assists in nine league games this season, while he has also started each of his side’s three Champions League group matches.
Arsenal signed Kieran Tierney as competition for Sead Kolasinac at left-back in the summer following the departure of Nacho Monreal.
Tottenham are currently struggling in that area of the field, with neither Danny Rose nor Ben Davies putting in consistent displays this campaign. Spurs did sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham but the teenager is yet to play this season due to injury problems.
Despite Sessegnon’s addition during the summer, Tottenham must go all out to beat Arsenal and Napoli to the signing of Grimaldo.
Spurs have massively struggled throughout this season and Mauricio Pochettino definitely should sign players in January to finish in the top four. One area Pochettino must reinforce is the defence, which has been uncharacteristically sloppy, leaking 15 goals in 10 games.
The likes of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are out of contract next summer, while Davinson Sanchez has looked out of depth whenever he has played this term. It’s an absolute necessity for Spurs to sign at least a centre-back in the mid-season trading period.
Nevertheless, Pochettino should also address his left-back woes as both Rose and Davies have underperformed so far this campaign, while Sessegnon is more suited to an advanced role down the left, as evident from his time at Fulham.
Alex Grimaldo would be a great fit for Spurs, and an upgrade over both Rose and Davies.
The 24-year-old has been one of the consistent performers for Benfica over the last few years, providing a constant threat down the left wing. He has been one of the Portuguese club’s most prolific chance creators during his time at the Stadium of Light as well.
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The Spaniard scored four goals and provided 12 assists in the top-flight for Benfica last season, while he also scored twice in the Champions League. He certainly offers the same attacking mindset that Rose provides.
For a left-back to have a direct hand in 18 goals across the league and Champions League is a splendid return.
Verdict
Grimaldo is an exciting left-back and would be a solid signing for Tottenham. All in all, he would be the perfect successor for Rose.