Barcelona and Bayern Munich battling for Alejandro Grimaldo | OneFootball

Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo ahead of a potential move next summer (h/t Marca).

The La Liga champions are looking to add a top-quality back-up for Alejandro Balde and have identified the former La Masia graduate as an ideal target.

With Raphael Guerreiro’s contract expiring next summer, Bayern are lining up a move for Grimaldo to bolster the left-back position.

However, Barca hold the edge in the transfer race due to Grimaldo’s priority to return to La Liga.

Moreover, Bayer are not intending to sell the 30-year-old to their German rivals.

Bayern have been lacking depth in the left-back options this season due to Alphonso Davies’ long-term injury.

However, Manager Vincent Kompany’s tactical intelligence has helped Bayer overcome the issue.

Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic have stepped up as the make-shift left-back options to a greater effect.

But Bayern sporting directors Max Eberl and Christopher Freund are on the lookout for a prominent full-back as a long-term solution.

On the other hand, Balde is starting to regain his form after a brief spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Gerard Martin has proven to be a good deputy for Balde since last season; however, Barca want to recruit an experienced player and difference maker like Grimaldo to build a well-rounded squad.

Grimaldo has firmly established himself as one of the best left-back/wing-backs in Europe over the last few seasons, thanks to his stellar consistency at Leverkusen.

Despite Bayer’s transition this season, the Spaniard has stood out in the defensive moments with his phenomenal free-kick ability and attacking instincts.

He has netted seven goals and four assists in all competitions.

With a contract running until 2027, Grimaldo has been looking for a new challenge for a while, so Leverkusen will likely sell him next summer.

He has a release worth €15-20 million, which makes him a bargain signing for Barca, given their financial troubles.