Atletico Madrid rejects Manchester City bid for Jose Gimenez

Marca reports that Manchester City’s phenomenal bid of $118 million is been rejected by Atletico Madrid. The La liga giants are wanting no less than his release clause of $142 million. City wants to add a second defender after the purchase of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth in the transfer window.

Pep Guardiola’s men had a disappointing campaign last time out by their own standards. They failed to close the enormous gap with champions Liverpool in the Premier League and were eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Champions League. City are fixed their defensive issues that caused so much discomfort last season.

Gimenez’s bid rejected

City were chasing Atletico’s star defender Jose Gimenez for quite some time but they now have to back paddle from the deal. Diego Simeone’s side has no intention to let go off the defender if priced less than his release clause.

Gimenez has made 191 appearances for the Colcherenos since joining the side in 2013. The center back himself sees his future at the club. Atletico won’t accept any formal bid made for him as he’s termed the long time successor of Diego Godin.

Last season, Gimenez penned an improve contract with the club. The 25-year old sealed his future with the club until 2023 with an release clause added of $142 million. A figure hard to match in this present financial situation.

Can City remove their defensive woes?

Manchester City have a big task in hand. Guardiola is certainly not satisfied with the transfer business made by the club till now and want more faces. Their incredible bid for Gimenez denotes that. That backline needs a genuine fix with only Aymeric Laporte a reliable center-back.

The Frenchman’s injury last season did the damage for the Cityzens. Fernandinho was slotted in his role but the demand for a solid defender is there. Moreover, Otamendi is aging and John Stones not someone to count on. So, City are in search for a number three.

They are also linked with Napoli’s Koulibaly. But the deal is also in doubt with the club’s president not accepting bid less than his asking price. Pep is desperate to make the addition in the problem position before their delayed season kick-off finally in the upcoming weekend.

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