Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez according to reports.
Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Gimenez in action
Manchester United and Arsenal are set to battle it out for £40 million-rated Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez, according to the Mirror.
The 21-year-old is one of Europe’s hottest properties, and has already made 68 appearances for the La Liga outfit during his three year spell with the club.
He has also gathered 21 international caps for Uruguay, which is an impressive haul, considering his tender years.
The Mirror report that United’s interest has been sparked as a direct result of their regular scouting missions of Gimenez’ teammate Antoine Griezmann.
Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann scores from the penalty spot
The Gunners have reportedly already made enquires regarding the potential availability of the Uruguayan, with Atleti making it clear that they do not want to lose one of their brightest stars.
Gimenez is an old-fashioned defender, whose game is based on clearing his lines, which is in contrast to the more modern day so-called ball-playing defenders in the John Stones mould.
The Atleti defender possesses a physically imposing physique, and his no-nonsence playing style seems to be perfectly suited to English football.
Arsenal have already spent heavily in the defensive department
He would represent a fantastic coup for either United or Arsenal, and the £40 million being touted to acquire his services seems like superb business, with the transfer market currently in the most inflated state it has ever been in.
After Arsene Wenger spent £35 million on Shkodran Mustafi during the summer, however, it would be unlikely for Arsenal to spend so heavily again in the same position, so a move to Manchester United would seemingly be the more realistic one at the current time.
Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez
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