Juventus currently possesses a huge threat on Arsenal’s plans to sign Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid in the summer. The Serie A outfit are ready to offer the 23-year-old a different path and this could severely affect Arsene Wenger’s chances of landing him without the promise of Champions League football.
The Frenchman is keen to bring Gimenez to the Emirates in order to bring some structure to the vulnerable backline. Arsenal’s defence has been one of their biggest concerns this season and has cost them a spot in the top-four of the Premier League table, not to mention the humiliating defeat to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup knockout stages.
Gimenez is one of Diego Simeone’s highly admirable defensive enforcer who has matured into a top professional in recent years. He is a regular starter under the Argentine manager with 31 total appearances this season and has been capped 37 times for the Uruguay national team.
His footballing intelligence is highlighted by his adept tackling and aerial ability. Standing at 6 feet 1 inches tall, the South American is one of more athletic players in the modern game who can distribute the ball from the back.
Gimenez is still developing into his top-class potential under the guidance of one of the best defensive coaches in the world of football. It would be a brilliant acquisition for the North London side, who need to improve upon their woeful performances in the 2017/18 season.
Laurent Koscielny has struggled with his form at the back and Shkodran Mustafi has looked shaky and uncertain on a regular basis. The duo is the club’s starting centre-backs with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding yet to prove their case for more important roles.
Wenger has tried to adapt the back-three formation in the earlier stages of the campaign but unfortunately, it has not worked in his favour. A feeble backline will always threaten a club’s position to successfully challenge for the league title.
Convincing Gimenez to make a switch to the Premier League will be tough with Champions League Runners Up of last season making enquiries over him. It will greatly depend on Arsenal’s ability to make a statement by winning the UEFA Europa League.
They have progressed to the last 8 of the competition after beating AC Milan on a 5-1 aggregate score. With Per Mertesacker announcing his retirement after the season, replacements are highly necessary and Gimenez is as good as it can get.
