Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Jose Gimenez and Mesut Ozil

Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival Manchester United in pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

That’s according to Mike McGrath of the Sun on Sunday, who has stated that the 21-year-old would be willing to move to the Emirates Stadium if the chance arose. It’s noted that Gimenez has a release clause of £54 million in his current contract at the Vicente Calderon.

The current term has been a frustrating one for the Uruguay international, playing such 36 minutes of La Liga football due to injury. However, at his best he’s one of the very best defenders in the division. Here is a look at what he’s capable of:

The major factor potentially preventing the youngster from developing into a world-class operator is his constant injury issues.

Gimenez has played superbly in partnership with Diego Godin for both club and country. His ability to spot danger, tracking of runners and commanding presence in the air has been vital to Atletico long possessing the most consistent defensive setup in European football.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the centre-back thrives in all areas of his defensive play:

For Arsenal, Gimenez would be a major coup, although it’s difficult to see them matching the trigger amount in the centre-back’s contract.

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The Gunners aren’t in desperate need of a new centre-back either. Shkodran Mustafi has formed a fine partnership with Laurent Koscielny, while Per Mertesacker, although currently injured, is another very useful option to call upon. Manager Arsene Wenger also has Gabriel Paulista in his squad too.

As such, an all-out assault on Gimenez seems unlikely from the Gunners. And given United’s defensive woes, if Atletico are willing to sell, the Red Devils will surely push and pay a little more than the Londoners.

Mesut Ozil Close to Contract Extension

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According to Steve Stammers of the Sunday Mirror, Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is poised to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium

It’s suggested the fresh terms for the German will include a weekly wage of £160,000 and after some minor concerns over delays with the extension, a source quoted by Stammers stated on Saturday that “we are getting closer” to finalising terms.

Per Stammers, Ozil has been linked with a move away from Arsenal, with former club Real Madrid noted as possible suitors. However, it’s stated that the Gunners’ strong start to the season and the arrival of compatriot Mustafi are key in his decision to sign on.

The Germany international has always been renowned for his remarkable creative talents. However, this season he’s added goals to his game too. Per Squawka Football, he’s found the net frequently as of late:

Impressive as they are, Ozil is worth more to Arsenal than the numbers he posts. The manner in which the midfielder can take the ball in tight spaces, elegantly escape the attention of defenders and construct telling linkups all over the pitch is critical to the way the Gunners play. Since Wenger brought him in, Ozil has been the hub of the team.

It’s vital Arsenal tie their main assets down to long-term deals. In the past plenty of world-class talents have departed the Emirates in pursuit of major honours. This season the Gunners look ready to challenge and, crucially, it seems as though key men like Ozil think so too.