According to reports in the Mirror, both Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing Atlético Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

The 21-year-old Uruguayan centre-back has been linked with a lucrative move to England in the past, and both clubs are reportedly eager to sign him at some stage in the not-too-distant future.

After Arsenal’s £35m move for Shkodran Mustafi was sealed in August, it seems unlikely, upon reflection, that Arsène Wenger would pay that much in the market for another central defender.

Given his age, ability and potential to improve further as his career develops, £40m is the price tag on Gimenez’ head, as Atlético themselves will be eager to retain their prized asset in the long-term.

If he does come available at some stage, especially with Diego Simeone’s future at the Calderón far from certain, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arsenal engage in a bidding war alongside United for his signature.

Per Mertesacker has been heavily linked with a move back to Germany with Werder publicly admitting their interest in the 32-year-old’s services. Koscielny has recently turned 31 and it’ll be intriguing to see how he is utilised as time passes by – a full calendar packed with international fixtures too takes its toll physically, and Arsenal will try their utmost to avoid relying on the Frenchman despite his ever-improving quality at the back.

All in all, it’d be a surprise if Gimenez was available for transfer between now and the end of the campaign, but in future, a possible deal could be made especially given Arsenal’s interest in the player himself.