Newcastle United join Leeds United and Wolves in race for highly-rated Champions League left-back

The Magpies are said to be keen on a highly-rated defender attracting interest from around Europe.
By Mark Carruthers
Published 20th Feb 2023, 14:08 BST
Updated 20th Feb 2023, 17:00 BST
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Newcastle United are reportedly in contention to land Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo on a free transfer at the end of the season.

After joining the Portuguese giants in a cut-price deal from Barcelona in January 2016, Grimaldo helped Benfica to a League Cup, Portuguese cup and three league titles in four seasons before committing his long-term future to the club by signing a deal in November 2019 to keep him at the Estadio da Luz until the end of the current season.

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Arsenal have struggled in the left-back spot this season, with both Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling with fitness. Portuguese outlet Record has reported that the Gunners could rival Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus for the defender.Arsenal have struggled in the left-back spot this season, with both Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling with fitness. Portuguese outlet Record has reported that the Gunners could rival Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus for the defender.
Arsenal have struggled in the left-back spot this season, with both Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling with fitness. Portuguese outlet Record has reported that the Gunners could rival Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus for the defender.

Speaking at the time he signalled his intention to claim further titles, saying: “It is a very special day. I think it is deserved renewal for all of the work in recent years. It was easy to reach an agreement because both parties wanted this renewal.

“You have to take things step by step to win titles. I have already won several here, but I start each season wanting more.”

Benfica are yet to add further silverware to Grimaldo’s early haul - although they are well placed to claim another league title this season as they sit top of the table, two points clear of second placed Porto and hold the benefit of a game in hand on their nearest rivals.

As it stands, Grimaldo is set to bring an end to him time in Portugal when the current campaign comes to a close as there are no clear indications he will put pen-to-paper on an extension to the contract he signed four years ago. There has reportedly been some high-level interest in the defender with the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid and former club Barcelona all said to be keen on the 27-year-old.

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Football Insider recently reported Leeds United have also added Grimaldo on to their list of summer targets and have now suggested Wolves and Newcastle are also monitoring his contract situation with a view to securing a free transfer move at the end of the season.

The former Spain Under-21 star would offer the Magpies a high-class option at left-back and would bring significant experience of competing in European football after making over 60 Champions League and Europa League appearances during his time with Benfica.

Related topics:Champions LeagueLeeds UnitedWolves

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