Manchester City have been credited with an interest in Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo recently and if he were to sign for Pep Guardiola's side this summer, he could be a huge upgrade on Benjamin Mendy.

What's the word?

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, City have opened talks with the Liga NOS side over a potential move for the Spanish full-back, with Benfica expected to demand around €30m (£25.6m) for his signature.

Whilst transfer stories regarding Harry Kane and Jack Grealish's potential moves to the Etihad are always likely to dominate the news, Grimaldo could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition by the Citizens this summer.

Although they are arguably well-stocked at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo both impressing there last season, with Nathan Ake and Mendy providing back-up, only the Frenchman is a natural in that position and Grimaldo would be a big upgrade on the former AS Monaco man.

Would Grimaldo be an upgrade on Mendy?

Last season saw Mendy manage just 13 appearances in the Premier League, in which he earned a disappointing 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranked him as the third-worst performer in Guardiola's side of those who made at least 10 top-flight appearances.

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Grimaldo meanwhile, would contribute an impressive two goals and nine assists in 31 Liga NOS appearances, averaging an impressive 7.18 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Therefore, when you also consider Mendy's horrific injury record during his time at Man City, it seems clear that signing a more consistent, less injury-prone left-back as his replacement would be good business for Guardiola's side this summer.

The former Barcelona man is highly rated in Portugal, with Benfica's sporting director Tiago Pinto singing his praises in 2020, saying:

“For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe. Many Benfica players are ready to, someday, play in a world-class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now."

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Therefore, Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to bring in the Spanish full-back, as he could definitely prove to be a success at the Etihad.

And, in other news... Imagine him and Foden: Txiki can secure City's long-term future with "very strong" 19 y/o