Arsenal close in first winter signing, Wenger plotting move for ace amid Man United interest
Premier League, Transfers November 14, 2016According to a report in The Daily Express, we are said to be plotting move for Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.
The news outlet further reports that mid-table Manchester United are also keeping a close eye on the ace, and also being linked with move for him.
However, Arsene Wenger has already secured the signature of German international centre back Shkodran Mustafi to partner Kos the Boss, yet it’s thought Sir Wenger could be after another reliable centre-back as an upgrade on Gabriel.
The Express report that Arsenal a preparing a ‘tester bid’ worth £26m this summer, but it’s thought Atletico would be looking for a higher offer for the Uruguayan international.
The La Liga giants have a release clause worth £52m on Gimenez’ contract, so manager Arsene Wenger will have to up his offer if rumours are true as big-spending Manchester United under the management of chequebook manager Jose Mourinho would have no issues meeting that clause.
In a separate report from The Mirror earlier this month, it’s claimed that United are ready to pay as much as £50m to secure his, and it’s thought that Gimenez is high on Mourinho’s shopping list as he looks to lure in some fresh blood to cope the mini-injury crisis at Old Trafford..
With Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly both struggling with injury, a move by Mourinho could be on the cards, and he’d love to get one over on his arch rival Wenger and beat him to this signing, however any interest Arsene Wenger has is probably made up as we have plenty of players in the centre back positions, so watch this space. Or Not.