Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to a Whoscored exclusive, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas. The Greek international has been heavily linked with the English trio of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. But it seems the Gunners have pipped their rivals to the player.
Kostas Manolas has been a rock for AS Roma and was expected to sign a contract extension at the club at the start of the season, something which is yet to happen. There were rumours linking the Greek international with a move to the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were all reportedly interested in the 25-year-old.
Chelsea are looking to strengthen at the back as Conte looks to replace his ageing veterans. Manolas also has previous experience of playing in a back three, which makes him an even more eyecatching target for Chelsea as they look to reclaim the Premier League crown.
Manchester United have had defensive problems of their own to deal with. Mourinho has been looking for a central defender who can be an able partner to summer signing Eric Bailly. But the rise to form of fringe players like Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have alleviated defensive fears and Mourinho has since confirmed his satisfaction with the club’s current defensive options.
Exclusive: Arsenal agree personal terms with €55m-rated Roma defender Kostas Manolas via @EmaGiulianelli https://t.co/Um7fPoNNmy pic.twitter.com/NzHmZAqYTr
— WhoScoredNews (@WhoScoredNews) January 30, 2017
Arsenal have also been looking to bolster their back four. Shkodran Mustafi’s arrival has strengthened the defence, but Wenger has still been linked with another foray into the market. Manolas’ technical prowess and comfort with the ball on his feet meant that he was on Wenger’s list of potential additions.
AS Roma are currently challenging for the Serie A title, with Spalletti’s men just 4 points behind Juventus, and are unlikely to want to part with their prized asset in the midst of the season.
As per the Whoscored exclusive though, AS Roma will allow the Greek defender to leave for Arsenal after the end of the current campaign for a staggering overall fee of £47 million.
Manolas’ aerial ability and passing efficiency are two attributes that would add more value to what is an already quality-laden squad at Emirates and it would be interesting to see how quickly Manolas gets to grips with the rigours of the Premier League.
