Reports suggest that Alejandro Grimaldo, the Benfica star, is currently in talks with several Premier League clubs over a potential move. While Arsenal were previously linked with the 27-year-old, other clubs are now leading the race for his signature. According to The Athletic, Grimaldo has held talks with Fulham and Nottingham Forest, while French side Nice have also made an attractive offer to him. Spanish duo Real Sociedad and Valencia, as well as German pair Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, are also in the battle to sign the ace.
Grimaldo’s contract at Benfica expires at the end of this season, and he supposedly does not want to stay. The Spaniard came through the academy at Barcelona before moving to Lisbon in 2016. He has since gone on to win three league titles and feature 291 times for Benfica. The attacking left-back has played 42 games for the club this season, scoring five goals and registering a further 13 assists. Grimaldo has helped Roger Schmidt’s men reach the quarter-final of the Champions League and lead Porto at the top of the Portuguese division by eight points.
Despite his impressive form, Grimaldo has never been capped by Spain. However, his good performances have earned him a place amongst the side’s provisional squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland later this month. The player was reportedly offered to Arsenal in the summer, but Mikel Arteta chose Oleksandr Zinchenko over him. Grimaldo has also been a transfer target for Manchester City in the past.
It remains to be seen which Premier League club will secure Grimaldo’s services, but it is clear that there is significant interest in the player. Fulham and Nottingham Forest are both in need of defensive reinforcements, while Nice are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. Real Sociedad and Valencia could both offer Grimaldo the chance to return to his native Spain, while Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen would provide him with an opportunity to test himself in the Bundesliga.
Regardless of where he ends up, Grimaldo is sure to be a valuable addition to any team. His attacking prowess and defensive capabilities make him one of the most sought-after left-backs in Europe, and his experience at the highest level will be invaluable to any club. It remains to be seen which team will win the race for his signature, but one thing is for sure: Alejandro Grimaldo is a player who will make a significant impact wherever he goes.