Arsenal are still in the running for Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez, according to reports.

The 22-year-old is reportedly close to agreeing a new four-year contract with Atletico that would keep him at the club until 2021. However, according to TMW, several European clubs are still hopeful of signing him on a free transfer.

The report claims that Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Roma, Juventus and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing the Uruguayan, whose contract expires in the summer.

Gimenez broke into the Atletico Madrid starting eleven at a young age and was regarded as one the best defensive talents in Europe. However, he has struggled to hold down a regular starting place in Diego Simeone’s team.

Last season, he played 29 games in all competitions, while this season has only featured six times. Hence, the report claims the 22-year-old might be tempted by more regular first-team football elsewhere.

Arsenal will need a centre-back soon, with Per Mertesacker due to retire in the summer. Laurent Koscielny isn’t getting any younger and has ongoing injury issues, and there are doubts about the quality and loyalty of Shkodran Mustafi.

Despite not being a regular at club level, Gimenez has won 37 caps for Uruguay.