Arsenal: Jose Gimenez Different And Yet Ideal Option

As Arsenal’s advances for Shkodran Mustafi stall, they are reportedly set to turn to Jose Gimenez, a different and yet ideal option at centre-half.

Arsenal’s hunt for a centre-half is not exactly running smoothly. As reports and rumours fly around regarding a multitude of different options, what becomes clear is that as time passes, the chances of the Gunners acquiring a much-needed defender only decreases.

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The one name that has headlined any reports over the past few weeks has been Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi. The German international has, apparently, agreed personal terms, but the two clubs are yet to settle on a fee, with Arsene Wenger unwilling, surprise, surprise, to spend over the odds.

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As that deal stalls, in the mad world of transfer rumour, other names are banded around as possible alternatives. One such name is Jose Maria Gimenez. The Atletico Madrid defender has been impressive, playing alongside international teammate and self-ascribed role model Diego Godin in an industrious and stout defence.

Moreover, at only 21 years of age, he is still very young, especially for a central defender. Displaying a vast amount of natural talent, especially physically, Gimenez is one of the most talented young defenders in Europe, but is he the right man for Arsenal to be pursuing this summer?

Unlike Mustafi, who is the epitome of a typical Arsene Wenger centre-half, proficient on the ball, calm and composed without ever being overly aggressive and dominant, Gimenez is built out of a different mould. He is tough, hard-nosed and often on the verge of a fight. He has had altercations with both Luis Suarez and Sergio Ramos during his time in La Liga, and is renowned as a rough-and-ready defender, first, and a skilfull and poised player second.

That is unlike what we are used to seeing at the Emirates, and it is exactly what makes him an ideal prospect. The Gunners have often been criticised, rightly, for having a soft underbelly, a lack of fight and character. Gimenez would bring that in spades.

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The reported £40 million fee could well be the stumbling block in any possible deal. However, Gimenez is undoubtedly a talented player, with a tough-tackling, defending first style, something that has been missing since the days of Tony Adams.