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Arsenal enter race for £54M-rated wonderkid

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Arsenal have joined the race to sign £54 million-rated Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez, who is also wanted by Manchester United.

The Sun reports that the 21-year-old Uruguayan has been sounded out by Arsene Wenger to bolster his defence, with the player also believed to be interested in a move to the Emirates.

Wenger did strengthen his defence over the summer by signing Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia and has made an immediate impact by forming a solid partnership with Laurent Koscielny.

And although the Gunners defence is reinforced by numbers in the back with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, Wenger has doubts over the duo’s future, with the German yet to agree deals and the Brazilian falling down the pecking order.

Gimenez, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, has 20 months left to run on his Atletico deal and a reported release clause of a staggering £54 million.

Undoubtedly a rising star in the game, Gimenez has been described by Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero as a “natural talent, a fast defender who uses the ball well, a good marker and classy on the ball”.

The Uruguay international has made 67 total appearances so far for Atletico Madrid since his move from Danubio in 2013, and has swiftly become a regular in Diego Simeone’s side.

This kid does have potential to become a top player and it’s good to see Arsenal keen on his services and the player himself interested in a move to the Emirates – if of course reports are to be believed.

Wenger will be keen to strengthen his defence, but only if the Frenchman deems Mertesacker surplus to requirements.

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