According to recent reports, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham’s set to fight for one of La Liga’s star prospects.
The player in question is: Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Gimenez.
According to Uruguayan publication Tenfield:
"José María Giménez is followed by three Premier League clubs. The defender who has been a member of Atlético de Madrid for nine seasons, is wanted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.via Tenfield.com"
The 27-year-old is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football right now. He joined Atletico Madrid in 2013 and has been a mainstay in Simeone’s squad ever since.
With Atletico looking to switch things up this season, Gimenez might be let go by Simeone.
According to Diario AS, Simeone will ask for around 60 million Euros for the defender:
"(…) for the first time the club is really open to selling. Of course, for a considerable offer. Atlético would not let him leave for less than 60 million to reach between various concepts.via as.com"
Injuries have marred the Uruguayan’s time at Atletico, and that will be something the premier leagues will have to keep in mind, especially given the physicality of the league.
Manchester United and Others Will Need to Bring Their Money
Worryingly for Manchester United and others, reports suggest that signing him will not be easy, with Manchester City having a huge bid rejected last season.
Chelsea and Man United both are desperately looking to sign new centre-backs. With Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving and Azpicueta on his way out, Chelsea’s quite thin in the centre-back department.
United, on the other hand, will be looking to up their defensive game this season with the signings of a couple of new defenders. The signing of Tyrell Malacia, the left-back from Feyenoord, is nearing completion as he looks to conclude the second part of his medical.
Tottenham are also looking for a new centre-back and are being heavily linked with Barcelona defender, Clement Lenglet.
For Simeone’s rebuild this summer, Gimenez might not be the only player who is let go. Yannick Carrasco, is also linked with a move away; Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all interested in his signature.