Arsenal have been rebuffed by Atletico Madrid in their efforts to sign impressive young central defender Jose Gimenez and Marca claim the Gunners will have to match the star’s €65 million (£56 million) release clause if they are to land him.
Arsene Wenger is believed to be considering a number of new centre-halves to bolster his contingent following pre-season injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.
Gimenez has emerged as an unlike leader for the Spanish outfit and has forged a venerable partnership with compatriot Diego Godin at the heart of the capital city side’s rearguard.
The North London club have been mentioned as suitors of a number of central defenders across Europe, with German star Shkodran Mustafi stated as the club’s top target.
Signing Gimenez would be quite the statement for the Emirates Stadium side but it seems unlikely as a new club-record transfer fee would be needed to facilitate an Atletico exit.
