Arsenal are willing to offer Atletico Madrid £26 million for Jose Gimenez – half the figure the Spanish club value the defender at.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old Uruguayan recently, who is also reportedly being eyed up by Manchester United.
And Spanish publication Don Balon claim Arsene Wenger’s interest in Gimenez is real, with the Frenchman keen to bolster his defensive ranks and ready to offer Atletico £26 million for his services.
It’s believed Wenger wants to add another centre-back to his squad, with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel’s futures both in doubt.
However, the figure proposed falls well short of Gimenez’s £56 million buyout clause and will almost certainly be knocked back with a wry smile to go with it.
The Uruguay international joined Atletico for a mere £800,000 from Danubio in 2013, but has endured a frustrating start to the season with the La Liga club.
Over the past two season, the centre-back has been a regular for Diego Simeone’s side but has made just two appearances after suffering an injury in late September.
