Napoli poised to land Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo

Napoli need to strengthen their defense this winter.

According to the football transfer rumours in Spanish media, Napoli are poised to land Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his current contract which expires in 2021.

Grimaldo made 131 appearances across all competitions for Benfica, scoring 11 goals and supplying 26 assists in return.

The 24-year-old is considered to be one of the best full-backs in Spain.

Alex Grimaldo has represented Spain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, winning 19 caps and scoring one goal.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to shore up his defensive options and Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo happens to be a target. The Napoli manager has been impressed by his performances this season and could make a move this winter.

Alex Grimaldo would provide a good variety to Napoli’s defense.

According to Football Espana, “Napoli are poised to move for Benfica’s in-demand Spanish full-back Alejandro Grimaldo in January. A report in Calciomercato states how a defensive injury crisis at the Partenopei has led to the club’s interest in the former Barcelona B left-back, who is said to carry a price tag of €40m. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in the past by Spanish media, with Filipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez both leaving the club this summer – although Brazilian Renan Lodi was signed. Grimaldo joined the Portuguese club from Barcelona’s B side in 2016 in a €1.5m deal and previously came close to joining Napoli last summer. The reports have nicknamed the left-back as being ‘the next Jordi Alba’ and could be set for a move away from the Lisbon-based club next year – with a return to Barcelona also touted, with Juventus and Tottenham also linked.”

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Benfica are not in a position where they need to sell and would like to keep hold of the full-back, but right offer may force the club to consider a deal.

The 24-year-old is certainly a player that would strengthen the current Napoli squad and would be a good buy in the winter transfer window.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Napoli come calling for Alex Grimaldo.

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