Arsenal: Jose Gimenez the man to match the rivals

While Arsenal’s Premier League rivals invest in their defence, they continue to stagnate into mediocrity. The defence is in dire need of a refreshing change in personnel and approach. Could Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez be the man to pioneer that?

Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention to Athletico Madrid youngster Jose Gimenez, perhaps admitting defeat in their attempts to sign Jonny Evans or Stefan de Vrij. The need for a centre-half is undeniably great, but is he the right one?

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Atletico Madrid has always been a breeding ground for talent whether bought or home-grown. Many teams have often preyed on their super-stars — Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero — and the Gunners are the next in-line.

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There are growing rumours that they may launch a summer bid for their talented centre-back Gimenez, who has had undoubtedly one of the best teachers in the world in Diego Godin. The Uruguyuan defender has attracted interest from around Europe with a tough, steely defensive style that is increasingly rare in the modern game. The race is hotting up, but Arsene Wenger may just feel that he can win it.

Born in Toledo, Uraguay, he has represented his country at U20 and at senior level. But it his club form that is driving the interest. Making 17 appearances so far this season, and with the aforementioned tutoring from Godin is invaluable, leading him to be one of the world’s best in terms of potential and promise, he could be a trusted choice at the heart of any defence. But having only featured in La Liga in his career, and even then intermittently — he has never played more than 2500 minutes in a season –, there are concerns about how he would handle English football, the Premier League, and a fully-fronted load of being the leader of the defence.

Moreover, his £57 million release clause in his contract is a stumbling block, and he has said that he will play out his contract with the intention of extending that stay. It currently expires in 2020. Madrid are in no rush to sell; Gimenez is in no rush to leave. He will not be cheap.

But Arsenal undoubtedly need improvements at centre-half. Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi have made that easy enough to spot, and he has the talent to replace both in a heartbeat. Moreover, at his age, 23, he could be with Arsenal for many more years to come, perhaps taking the mantle as the future of the defence from the likes of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding.

With plenty of other clubs splashing big amounts of cash on new centre-backs, is it not time for Arsenal to do the same? Manchester City just spent big on Aymeric Laport from Athletic Bilbao. Manchester United signed Victor Lindelof from SL Benfica in the summer. Liverpool, who are perhaps the most representative team to the Gunners in terms of attacking threat and defensive deficiencies, broke the world record for a defender in their £75 million purchase of Virgil van Dijk.

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Every other club is strengthening in defence. Arsenal are stagnating, with Wenger’s lingering loyalty again coming to the fore. It is time for a new face, and Gimenez might well be the perfect one for it.