Barcelona 'preparing to launch Alex Grimaldo offer'

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to make an offer of between €20m (£17m) and €25m (£21.4m) for Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo.

The Catalan giants are believed to be determined to sign a new left-back during this summer's transfer window, with head coach Xavi wanting competition for Jordi Alba during the 2021-22 campaign.

Celta Vigo's Javi Galan, Real Betis' Alex Moreno, Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon, Valencia's Jose Gaya and Chelsea's Marcos Alonso have all been linked with switches to Camp Nou.

However, Barcelona have seemingly identified Grimaldo as their leading target in that area of the field, with the La Liga outfit preparing to make an offer for his services.

According to Portuguese insider Pedro Almeida, the club are preparing to make an offer of between €20m (£17m) and €25m (£21.4m) for the former Spain Under-21s international.

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Grimaldo has again been a vital player for his Portuguese club during the 2021-22 campaign, making 48 appearances in all competitions, contributing six goals and nine assists in the process.

In the league, the defender has scored five times and registered five assists in 29 outings, while he provided three assists in 10 appearances in this season's Champions League.

Grimaldo's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with a number of clubs believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments.

Benfica are not in a strong position when it comes to the defender's future, with his current deal due to expire next summer, so they could be forced to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.

Alba remains Barcelona's first-choice left-back, and he has enjoyed a strong season, contributing three goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances, but the Spaniard will turn 34 next year.

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Grimaldo spent two years in the Valencia youth system before moving to Barcelona in 2008, representing their various age groups before turning out for Barcelona B between 2011 and 2015.

The left-back actually featured on 92 occasions for Barcelona's second team, but he never made a first-team appearance, ultimately leaving for Benfica in 2016.

Grimaldo represented Spain at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, meanwhile, but he is yet to make his senior international debut.

Barcelona, who will take on Getafe and Villarreal in their final two league matches of the campaign, are currently second in the La Liga table, seven points clear of third-placed Sevilla, who have a game in hand.