Balague: Arsenal unwilling to pay Gimenez realse clause

Arsenal turned their attention to Atletico Madrid defender, Jose Gimenez after talks with Valencia over Shkodran Mustafi stalled.

Arsenal had agreed terms with Mustafi but as of yet cannot agree a fee with the Spanish club. Reports emerged earlier this week that Arsenal were interested in signing Gimenez although the fee would likely be upwards of £45 million.

Sky Sports and La Liga pundit, Guillem Balague now reports that Atletico Madrid are confident that Arsenal won’t match Gimenez’s €65 million release clause.

Twitter: Gimenez and Arsenal. Atlético are not worried about him leaving as they know Arsenal will not pay his €65m clause. He will stay (@GuillemBalague)

It seems unlikely that Arsenal would pay such a large fee for a defender, especially considering that Mustafi would be a much cheaper option. Arsenal need to sign a defender as both Gabriel and Mertesacker are now out with injuries.

There isn’t that much time left in the transfer window and Arsenal are in need of a defender and a striker. The clock is ticking.