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 giants are looking to acquire 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 as Grimaldo wants to return to La Liga and Leverkusen are not intending to sell him to their German rivals.

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

Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic have stepped up as the makeshift left-back options.

However, Bayern sporting directors Max Eberl and Christopher Freund are on the lookout for a long-term solution.

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

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.

Grimaldo has been looking for a new challenge for a while, so Leverkusen will likely sell him next summer.

He has a release clause worth €15-20 million, making him a bargain signing for Barca.