Arsenal have been given little chance of signing Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez this summer by Sky Sports expert Guillem Balague.
The Gunners are still searching for defensive reinforcements, but are undoubtedly running out of time with the deadline fast approaching.
With Per Mertesacker and Gabriel ruled out long-term with injuries, Laurent Koscielny will return this weekend with Rob Holding or Calum Chambers likely to be his central defensive partner.
If Arsenal have ambitions of winning the Premier League this season, they’ll need more experience and quality in that department, but Arsene Wenger is undoubtedly finding it difficult to identify, and secure, the player that he wants this summer.
Speculation has suggested that Gimenez could be the answer, but according to Balague, as seen in his tweet below, the Uruguayan in all likelihood isn’t going to be Emirates bound this month.
Gimenez and Arsenal. Atlético are not worried about him leaving as they know Arsenal will not pay his €65m clause. He will stay
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 20, 2016
Aside from the fact that Atleti are unconcerned about him leaving, his sizeable €65m release clause certainly makes it difficult to see an agreement being reached.
The 21-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, and has been tipped to enjoy a successful future given his all-round ability.
In turn, it’s no surprise to see Arsenal linked with him, but ultimately, as has been the case all summer, a reluctance to sell from their rivals as well as extortionate price-tags are making it extremely difficult for Wenger to sign the players he wants.
What is clear though is that Arsenal need a new defender to come in after conceding four goals in their opening weekend defeat to Liverpool, and they can ill-afford to be so porous moving forward.