Finding a left-back has become the priority for Roma due to Leonardo Spinazzola’s major injury. New candidates are emerging by the day. The Giallorossi are now eyeing Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Ramy Bensebaini, Lille’s Reinildo Mandava, and Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo.
Bensebaini is under contract until 2023, and Roma are very high on him, Sky Sport reports. The 26-year-old Algerian defender moved to Bundesliga from Rennes in 2019 on a €8M move. He has scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists in 59 matches with his current team. He can also play as center-back or defensive midfielder if necessary. His price tag is considerable as Moenchengladbach want €20M to sell him, Calciomercato.com reports.
Reinildo would be less expensive because his deal with Lille is up in 2022. The French side signed the 27-year-old left-back from Belenenses in 2019 for €3M. He has been a regular after joining, tallying 60 appearances over the last two seasons, where he has set up one teammate. Les Dogues ask for €15M, while Roma intend to offer €8-10M, the specialized site adds.
The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations could impact the Giallorossi’s plans. Bensebaini would be away from the team for at least 20 days in January, while Reinildo’s Mozambique did not qualify. Despite losing one of their best players for part of next season, Roma are unlikely to make pricey acquisitions for the role. The rumors linking them to Marcelo are unsubstantiated as he will stay in Madrid, SOSFanta indicates, while Robin Gosens is too expensive.