Arsenal could be set to compete with Manchester United in the pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez in the summer, a report from The Mail claims.
The Uruguayan international has been linked with a proposed move to the Emirates during the previous summer transfer window before the Gunners managed to secure the services of Shkodran Mustafi from Spanish club Valencia.
According to The Mail, Atleti could be willing to cash in on the versatile defender this summer with both Arsenal and Manchester United said to hold a keen interest in the 22-year-old. The North London club reportedly held talks with Gimenez last summer before signing Mustafi.
Gimenez has showcased his additional qualities during the ongoing campaign after having featured at right-back and in midfield due to the presence of Diego Godin and Stefan Savic at the heart of the defence.
He currently has a hefty release clause of around £56m on his contract, but Diego Simeone’s side would be willing to discuss a lower sum, should his suitors come up with an official approach for his signature.
Arsene Wenger has recently opted to switch to the three-at-the-back formation, and it is understood that the club will move in for an additional centre-back with Mustafi, in particular, yet to live up to his hype.
The Gunners have managed to benefit from the services of a young Rob Holding in recent weeks, and they will be hoping to add another top-class defender who would accompany both Holding and skipper Laurent Koscielny in the backline.
Gimenez has been on the Gunners’ radar over the past year or so, but this does not provide them a straight route to the player with United boss Jose Mourinho also looking at the South American footballer.
The Special One, who faced his first league defeat against Wenger earlier this month, is unsure over the fitness of defensive duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who have missed key games this term.
Arsenal take on Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, and they will be hoping to secure a solid win in order to better their chances of a top-four finish to the league standings.
