Manchester City and Juventus leading the race for Atletico star
By James Reeve
Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez is reportedly attracting the interests of a number of clubs in Europe, with Manchester City and Juventus at the top of the pile.
According to the Daily Mail, Inter Milan are also now interested in the 22-year-old Uruguayan international and could chase his signature in January.
Gimenez’ deal at the Wanda Metropolitano is set to expire in June next year and it is now believed that Atletico are willing to accept a deal for less than his release clause, which sits at £56 million.
Gimenez has long had admirers of his talents, with both Manchester United and Arsenal previously considering making moves for the young defender.
The Uruguayan is flexible at the back, primarily operating as a centre-back but also being able to play out on the right side of the defence.
He has found his playing time largely limited so far this season, featuring in just five total La Liga fixtures – including just four starts.
Despite his reduced playing time, Gimenez has performed well in Diego Simeone’s Atletico team.
He has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, getting in the way of opposition players and disrupting play regularly.
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He has also contributed 2.6 clearances and has won 3.4 aerial challenges each time he has stepped on to the pitch for the Rojiblancos.
His 6-foot-1 frame is an asset that he uses well, ensuring his team are solid in both open play as well as from set pieces.
He is also fairly accomplished with ball distribution, averaging close to 32 passes per match with a success rate of 77.1%.
Despite being a fast, physical defender that contributes regularly to the defensive side of play, it has been clear that his time with Atleti is coming to an end.
In the 2015/16 season, he made 27 La Liga appearances for the club. This dropped to 17 last season and now just five this season, indicating the club are more than willing to let him go.
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If the club wishes to recuperate as much money as possible, a deal could be struck in the January transfer window.
However, that is not a guarantee and the 37-cap international could find himself seeing out the final year of his deal and leaving Atletico Madrid next summer on a free.