Manchester United are reportedly readying themselves to usurpArsenal in the transfer market as theMirrorclaim a £40m transfer battlefor Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez is set to begin.
The Red Devils interest in the defender is said to have stemmed from their regular scouting reports of star Atleti forward Antoine Griezmann, with Gimenez catching the eye of the United scouts.
The Uruguay international, 21, has become one of the most highly sought after defenders in Europe due to impressive performances at the back for Diego Simeone at the Vicente Calderon.
A number of sides have been credited with an interest in Gimenez, including Arsenal who are thought to have made a number of enquiries as to the availability of the defender.
But the La Liga giants have rebuffed their approaches as they are reluctant to see the Uruguayango, with manager Simeone especially fond of the star they bought from Danubio in 2013.
Manchester United to battle Arsenal for £40m Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez https://t.co/NUYse3Zblq pic.twitter.com/zi02Mm9mD8
But with concerns over the long-term future of the influential manager at the club, a few of Atleti's key stars, including Gimenez and Griezmann, could be set for a move next summer, with Premier League giants ready to pounce.
United, who added just one defender this summer in Eric Bailly, are understood to be keen to sign another top class centre back and after being alerted to Gimenez's talents, manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to battle rival boss Arsene Wenger for the youngster's signature.
Following United's heavy loss to Mourinho's former club Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, it seems Jose's need for a new defender might be more pressing than Wenger's, whose Arsenal side played out a 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Either way, Gimenez is top class and would improve any defence.
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