According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid is interested in signing Grimaldo, and Bayer Leverkusen is open to the player's departure.
Left-back is one of the positions Atletico Madrid needs to strengthen this summer. After failing to sign Cucurella, Atletico Madrid has turned its attention to Alex Grimaldo, who was originally the club's first choice. The Spanish international has now become Atletico Madrid's primary target to reinforce their left flank.
According to the latest reports, Atletico Madrid has advanced negotiations with Grimaldo and is prepared to offer him a contract until 2029, with an option to extend for another year. The player has made clear his desire to return to Spain.
Grimaldo recently stated: "My idea and desire is to return to Spain. What I want is to play for the best teams in the world." He previously said: "From the first day I joined Bayer Leverkusen, they knew my dream was to play in Spain."
Although Grimaldo has repeatedly expressed his desire to play in Spain, Bayer Leverkusen has remained silent, as they have not received concrete offers from the main Spanish clubs linked with the player. Atletico Madrid is not the only team interested; Barcelona, where Grimaldo came through the youth academy, has also included him on their transfer list.
If Atletico Madrid submits a formal offer, Bayer Leverkusen will have to reassess the situation, particularly given Grimaldo's circumstances. German media outlets indicate that Bayer Leverkusen is open to a deal.
Several factors support this: Grimaldo has only one year remaining on his contract with Bayer Leverkusen and will turn 31 in September. Multiple sources suggest the German club would not rule out selling him this summer.
Since joining Bayer Leverkusen, Grimaldo has been a model professional. The club understands the Spanish player's desire to return home and play for a top La Liga side, provided the deal serves the interests of all parties involved.
The transfer fee is speculated to be around €10 million, while Grimaldo's market value is estimated at €20 million. Given that he has only one year left on his contract, an offer of approximately half his market value could be the key to facilitating the transfer.