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.
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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.