Chelsea are reportedly interested in Alex Grimaldo to strengthen their left-back position. The Bayer Leverkusen star’s experience is key in the chase.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are reportedly keen on Alex Grimaldo ahead of future windows. The Spaniard is too important a player to be sold in January. His time at Bayer Leverkusen could come to an end next summer, especially if one of the big clubs like Chelsea makes their move.
Chelsea are not particularly strong in the left-back position, as some additions are still needed to bring the necessary depth. They do have Ben Chilwell, but the 27-year-old could be sold ahead of the January window, as the former Leicester City star was not even considered in Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans at the start of the new campaign.
With Chilwell likely to depart, his exit will further depreciate that left-back position, where Marc Cucurella is their current first choice. The Spaniard has been suspect of niggling injury issues from last season, and in his absence, Maresca tends to use one of Levi Colwill or Reece James, with either not particularly suited to that role in a natural way.
Hence, a new left-back could be on the cards ahead of the January window, with Cucurella’s Spanish national colleague Alex Grimaldo a target for Chelsea. The 29-year-old could spring towards the chance to make a move to a bigger club if the right offer arrives, as his time at Bayer Leverkusen could be coming to a close.
The idea of signing him in January might be a little bit ambitious for Chelsea. Leverkusen are unlikely to sell him then, as he is very important to the squad. A summer sale might be possible, as the German champions could cash in and then re-invest in a new player later.
Chelsea looking for an experienced left-back
There have been a few links for a new left-back of late, as Chelsea might look to bring in an experienced player rather than another young prospect. This is why a move for Grimaldo makes sense from many angles, although any move will depend on his price point.
The price point might have been a problem in the summer, as some clubs were interested then. Quite surprisingly, Grimaldo ended up staying at Leverkusen despite a season in which he scored 12 times and provided 20 assists in all competitions. However, next summer could be the time when the Spaniard makes his next big career switch, probably his last such challenge in the top five leagues.
