Report: Raphael Guerreiro emerges as Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo successor

Grimaldo is expected to join the La Liga club in a deal worth around 25 million euros, prompting Leverkusen to step up their search for a new option on the left side of defence.

According to reports from Germany, Guerreiro is firmly on the Bundesliga club's shortlist. The 32-year-old is currently available as a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich, making him an attractive option with no transfer fee required. His experience at the highest level, combined with his attacking quality and reliable left foot, makes him a natural candidate to fill the gap left by Grimaldo.

However, Leverkusen's new head coach, Carles Martínez, is believed to favour a different profile. The Spaniard is reportedly looking for a younger and quicker left-back who can add greater pace and energy to the team.

One player who fits that description is Arsene Kouassi of French club FC Lorient. The Burkina Faso international has also attracted interest from Bundesliga rivals VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kouassi already shares an international partnership with Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, a connection that could help him settle quickly if a move is completed. The 20-year-old is expected to cost around 20 million euros.