Atletico want Alexis in Jose Gimenez deal

Atletico Madrid have informed Arsenal that they will have to offer Alexis Sanchez to get their hands on Jose Gimenez. The Gunners are on the search for a central defender after the first-team pairing of Gabriel and Per Mertesacker were ruled out with long-term injuries.

Spanish source Don Balon says the Gunners had enquired over the Gimenez's availability, only to see Atleti place a shock offer on the table.

Diego Simeone's side are looking to bring a new forward to their ranks and have Alexis as one among the leading names in their shortlist.

The Gunners have previously ruled out the Chilean's sale at any price, and this is likely to end their pursuit for Gimenez.

Gimenez, who has represented Uruguay at senior level, has established himself as a regular at Vicente Calderon.