Real Madrid leading Arsenal in pursuit of Atletico defender

Real Madrid are reportedly leading Arsenal in the pursuit of Uruguayan defender Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid.

Gunners boss Unai Emery has placed a keen emphasis on strengthening the defence after the retirement of Per Mertesacker and a long-term injury to Laurent Koscielny.

As such, the club have been weighing up a move for Gimenez whom they have scouted over the past few seasons but they are now likely to face stiff competition for his signature.

According to Marca, Los Blancos have jumped ahead of the Gunners in the race to sign the centre-back and they are prepared to trigger the player's £53m release clause which the Premier League side have remained hesitant to activate.

Despite this, there are plenty of positives for Arsenal this summer with Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos close to joining the club in a £16m deal.

Freiburg's Caglar Soyuncu has also admitted interest from the north London giants and the Turkey international could make the switch within the next few weeks.