Newcastle Utd Handed Huge Boost In Transfer Pursuit Of All-Star Defender Once Linked With Gunners Move

Newcastle Utd Handed Huge Boost In Transfer Pursuit Of All-Star Defender Once Linked With Gunners Move

Newcastle United were given encouraging news regarding a player they have been linked with. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Barcelona are no longer pursuing highly-rated defender Alex Grimaldo – giving the Toon a chance to put their foot in the door.

In Romano’s tweet, he wrote: “Understand Barcelona are not working on Alejandro Grimaldo deal at this stage despite recent links — huge opportunity on potential free with many clubs keen on deal, Barça still quiet.

“Barcelona feel they are covered in that position with Balde, Jordi Alba and Alonso.”

Barcelona may be covered in that position (left-back), but Newcastle certainly aren’t – they have been playing centre-back Dan Burn there for most of the current season.

Despite this, Romano also noted that ‘many’ clubs are thought to be interested in the 27-year-old. Barcelona may be out of the race – but Newcastle will still face competition if they want to secure Grimaldo’s signature. According to talkSPORT, Arsenal were given the opportunity to sign the player last summer, but turned the opportunity down.

Grimaldo would be a great player to fill the gap in the Magpies’ squad. He has been at Benfica since 2016, having joined from Barcelona – he has played a key role in the Portuguese outfit’s impressive run in the Champions League this year.

His contract will expire at the conclusion of the current season – if he does not sign a new deal with Benfica before then, he could join the Toon on a free transfer. Newcastle will be most interested in exercising this option – however, it does leave the door open for other cubs to make a move like Everton and West Ham who might also be in the market for the free-agent.

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