Arsenal told to pay £35m transfer fee by Benfica for left-back Grimaldo as long-term Monreal replacement is sought

ARSENAL remain in the frame to sign Benfica full-back Alejandro Grimaldo despite fresh interest from Juventus.

Calciomercato understand the Serie A champions are monitoring the 23-year-old, who is also subject to interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.

Tuttosport say the Portuguese giants have slapped a £35million valuation on Grimaldo.

Barcelona are due 15 per cent of any transfer fee after they sold the left-back in 2015 – though the Catalan giants could themselves launch a bid as they seek a replacement for Jordi Alba.

With several sides tracking the Spain Under-21 international, a bidding war could yet unfold which would surely see his asking price increase.

Unai Emery's interest in Grimaldo is linked to a desire to find a long-term replacement for Nacho Monreal, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

City meanwhile have endured constant problems at left-back with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabian Delph played out of problems to cover for the injury-prone Benjamin Mendy.

Reports that Alex Sandro could be offloaded in the summer by Juventus has sparked speculation regarding their pursuit of a new left-back.

Real Madrid's Marcelo has been mentioned as a possible option, but Grimaldo is understood to have emerged as their primary target.

Meanwhile, with Filipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez's future at Atletico Madrid unknown Diego Simeone has been linked with an interest with the ex-Valencia youngster.

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