Arsenal transfer news: Alex Grimaldo, Nacho Monreal, Matthias Ginter, Leandro Trossard

Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo in action against Turkish side Fenerbahce

(Image credit: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

published 8 February 2019

Grimaldo in, Monreal out?

It’s been a while since Arsenal have been in pole position in anything but apparently that’s where they are in the chase for Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo.

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Described by The Sun as “highly-rated”, the 23-year-old has also been checked out by Manchester City, Napoli and Inter Milan in recent months.

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But according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the chase for the left-back is a straight shoot-out between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, and the Gunners have a crucial edge.

What is that edge? None other than Nacho Monreal, who could move in the opposite direction in any summer deal. Benfica are asking for £26m in return for Grimaldo and Arsenal boss Unai Emery is hoping that he can knock that price down by offering Monreal to the Portuguese outfit.

Gunners eye Ginter

Arsenal and north London rivals Tottenham are “monitoring” Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Matthias Ginter, reports Sky Sports.

The 25-year-old Germany international, who has 23 caps to his name, has been on Spurs’ radar for a while but Sky says they have recently triggered extension clauses in the contracts of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, and their pursuit of Ginter has cooled.

Not so Arsenal, and it’s believed that he could be brought in at the expense of Shkodran Mustafi.

Trossard a target

Leandro Trossard is “eager” to join the Gunners in the summer transfer window, says the Daily Star, with the paper reporting that the Genk winger has been in the club’s sights since the autumn.

The well-publicised lack of funds at the Emirates scuppered any chance of landing the 24-year-old Belgian in January, but the Star says that Arsenal may be able to meet Genk’s £22m asking price in June.

Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg have also been linked with Trossard but apparently his heart is set on joining the Gunners.

Loan extension for young gun

The Sun says RB Leipzig are “looking to extend” Emile Smith Rowe’s stint at the club even though the teenage sensation has yet to play a game.

The Croydon-born forward joined the Bundesliga side on a five-month loan deal at the end of January, despite the fact he’s been sidelined with a groin injury since before Christmas.

But the German club like his attitude and manager Ralf Rangnick has said that “we can imagine talking to them about another loan in March or April”.

The Sun says that will depend on whether Unai Emery believes the 18-year-old is ready for more senior starts next season.