Out-of-sorts Serie A heavyweights Juventus have reportedly laid their eyes on the highly-rated Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. As per Calciomercato, the record-time Italian champions have identified the Barcelona youth academy graduate as their top defensive target ahead of the January transfer window.
Grimaldo has gone from strength to strength since swapping Camp Nou for Benfica in 2016. During his eye-catching six-year stint in Lisbon, the 27-year-old has developed into one of the best-performing left-backs in Europe. Known for his tactical awareness and excellent crossing ability, the Spaniard has a host of admirers across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Interest in Grimaldo’s services will go up as the January transfer window approaches. With less than a year left to run on his current contract at the Estadio da Luz, his skills are in high demand. Juventus have no intention of missing out on such an opportunity.
And since Gimaldo has refused to commit his future to Benfica, he will be available on a cut-price deal. That will make him one of the most wanted left-backs by the end of the calendar year. But Juventus believe they can beat stiff competition for the defender’s services.
In addition to Juventus, Inter have placed Grimaldo on their shortlist after Robin Gosens failed to live up to expectations. Yet Massimiliano Allegri’s urge for a new left-footed defender is much more pressing as neither Alex Sandro nor Mattia de Sciglio impressed their under-fire manager.
No strangers to capturing high-quality players in low-cost operations, Juventus are ready to establish contacts with Benfica as soon as the January transfer window opens for business. With Grimaldo already informing the club of his desire to start a new challenge elsewhere, the Bianconeri could be in a strong bargaining position this winter.