Arsenal moved in to land £57m-rated prolific centre-back

Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign Jose Gimenez to solve club's defensive issues.

The Atletico Madrid defender has long been associated with a move to the Emirates - and reports in Spain now claim that the Gunners are ready to make their move.

Arsenal's problems at the back were highlighted once again at the weekend as they were trounced by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Shkodran Mustafi has be an addressee of heavy criticism for the role he played in Sergio Aguero's goal at Wembley, while youngsters such as Rob Holding and Calum Chambers have struggled to display quality football when called upon this season.

Laurent Koscielny has also had a frustrating campaign, with his longstanding issue taking its toll, and Per Mertesacker has been eased out of the picture ahead of his retirement this summer.

So bringing in fresh players at the back is the main priority for Arsene Wenger as has set his sights on Gimenez, according to the news in Spain.

It's being claimed by GOL, that the Arsenal boss has turned his attention to the 23-year-old, who is now his number one target after missing out on Stefan de Vrij, who could be on his way to Liverpool.