Barcelona will reportedly face stiff competition from Serie A giants Juventus in the race to sign former La Masia ace Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica.
According to a report by Italian publication Tuttosport, Alejandro Grimaldo is the subject of interest from Juventus over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Serie A giants have joined Barcelona in pursuit of the 26-year-old Benfica defensive ace.
Alejandro Grimaldo has found a stable footing since joining Benfica from Barcelona in January 2016. Over the last half a dozen years, the Spaniard, formerly of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in Europe.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign, amassing six goals and seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. But with his contract running out in a little over a year, Grimaldo looks set to leave Benfica in the summer transfer window. That has opened up a window of opportunity for Barcelona and Juventus.
Barcelona will likely delve into the market for a left-back in the summer transfer window, as Jordi Alba has endured a significant dip in performance levels in the last two years. With Alejandro Balde yet to settle down in the first-team setup at Camp Nou, signing a left-back has become necessary for Barcelona.
Barcelona’s priority target is Jose Gaya. With the Spaniard currently in contract renewal talks with Valencia, Grimaldo has emerged as a viable alternative. But Barcelona will need to fend off stiff competition from Juventus to land the 26-year-old.
The interest from the Serie A giants stems from the sharp decline that Alex Sandro has suffered in the last few years. With Luca Pellegrini still largely unconvincing, Juventus will need to invest in a left-back in the summer transfer window. It is understood that Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy is also among their targets. And Grimaldo is also an option being considered by Juventus.
Also Read: Three potential alternatives to Jose Gaya for Barcelona
As things stand, the only thing that seems likely is that Grimaldo will leave Benfica in the summer transfer window. With Juventus joining Barcelona in his chase, a transfer battle for the 26-year-old former La Masia ace appears to be on the cards.
