Arsenal have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a move for defender Jose Gimenez, Metro has revealed on Thursday morning.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have both been linked with the central defender in the past but he is now "open to moving to the Emirates" according to the report.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a new centre back after Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista both suffered long-term injuries.
Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed this morning that he will take a gamble with France international Laurent Koscielny who will lead the Arsenal defence on Saturday against Leicester City.
Calum Chambers and Rob Holding started at the back for the Gunners last week against Liverpool but they struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of Jurgen Klopp's strikers.
Gimenez has a market transfer value of £40million according to his club.
