Inter set to deny Arsenal and Man United in hunt for Atletico ace
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Atletico Madrid may have kept hold of Jose Gimenez this summer, but the Spanish outfit face a fight to keep him for much longer.
That’s because a string of Europe’s biggest clubs – including Arsenal and Manchester United – are interested in the 22-year-old centre-half.
Vastly talented, Gimenez’s contract expires next summer. So he’ll be leaving for free at the end of the season, unless Atletico choose to cash in this January.
Either scenario will be welcomed by Arsenal fans, who are craving defensive stability at the Emirates.
The Man United connection is less obvious. Jose Mourinho has a wealth of centre-halves at Old Trafford, although Chris Smalling may well leave in the next window or two.
The Portuguese boss can call upon Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind.
Liverpool could be in the mix too, especially since they failed to sign Virgil van Dijk this summer.
It’s early days but the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Watford on the opening weekend of the campaign suggested Gimenez could be just as important for Liverpool as he would for Arsenal.
The Uruguayan has made a real impression since joining Diego Simeone’s side in 2013 from his native Danubio.
He’s made 67 La Liga appearances for the Rojiblancos, in addition to 18 in the Champions League, where he helped Atletico reach the final in 2016.
But according to the odds, the aforementioned Premier League trio have their work cut out in this transfer scrap.
Inter Milan are the even-money favourites, with Italian outlet Tuttosport claiming the Serie A side are preparing to test Atletico’s resolve with a bid in January.
It’s doesn’t look too good for Liverpool though, who are the outsiders at 16/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
