Arsenal target Atlético Madrid defender

Arsenal are considering a move for Atlético Madrid centre-back José Giménez, but will have to fork out €64 million if they want to land the Uruguayan, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca is reporting today that Arsenal have made an enquiry about the availability of Atlético Madrid defender José Giménez, but the Spanish side have informed the Gunners that they will not allow the 21-year-old to leave for less than his €65 million release clause.

Arsenal are known to be in the market for a new central defender before the transfer window closes in two weeks’ time, as manager Arsene Wenger seeks to ease the strain a defensive injury crisis has put on his squad.

The north London club have lost both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista to long term injuries, and their patched-up back line conceded four goals in their opening day defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

Wenger has identified Valencia’s German centre-half Shkodran Mustafi as his primary target. Los Che are believed to be looking for a fee of around €30 million for the 24-year-old, but the latest reports suggest that Arsenal are unwilling to match that figure.

The Gunners are also monitoring West Bromwich Albion’s Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans, and reports yesterday claimed that the Wenger’s men have had a £12 million bid rejected for the former Manchester United player.

With the huge fee required, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will follow up their interest in Giménez with an offer.