Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham receive positive update in race for defender Jose Gimenez

Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico), MARCH 11, 2022

Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez this summer.

Gimenez has been a solid member of the Atletico Madrid defence since his arrival in 2013. In previous windows, he has also been linked with a move to the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid. However, this summer it seems Atletico may finally be prepared to sell.

Diario AS report that Atletico Madrid are aware that clubs are looking into the potential transfer of Gimenez. As a result, the club have suggested they would be willing to listen to offers.

Among the clubs interested are three of the ‘top six’ clubs inside England. Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham are all keen, according to Uruguayan outlet Tenfield.

Earlier in the year, it was revealed that the 27-year-old does have a release clause in his contract. To trigger his sale, clubs must pay the Spanish giants a fee of around €120m.

Man City came closest to triggering that clause in 2020. However, a bid of €100m that summer was rejected.

Pep Guardiola’s side are not believed to be pursuing the deal anymore. Instead, the club seem to have turned their attention to improving their attack this summer.

But that doesn’t rule out any of their Premier League rivals. And given the fact that Atletico Madrid are now willing to listen to offers, a bid could be accepted for less than Man City’s original offer.

Jose Gimenez perfect match for Chelsea

Atletico Madrid pair Jose Gimenez and Joao Felix

The Uruguayan defender made 24 league appearances last season, and also featured seven times in the Champions League.

He has been a reliable figure at Atletico Madrid since his arrival, which rightfully so has attracted attention from across Europe.

These performances have also made Chelsea long-term admirers of the star. The club have been linked to Gimenez in previous windows, but the most attention seems to be this window.

This is partly because of Chelsea’s desperate need to improve their defence. The club have already parted ways with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

The sales of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also close, leaving the club short of defensive options.

Under these circumstances, the arrival of Gimenez would be perfect. A solid, experienced centre-back who would significantly improve the squad.

However, the club must act fast if they wish to complete the deal, with Man Utd and Tottenham also aware of his raw talent.

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