Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly both ready to battle each other again in the transfer market, this time for AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas.
Spanish publication Don Balon are claiming that Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to be at loggerheads in the transfer market again, albeit this time for AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas. The Greek defender has been drawing interest from both clubs, who are ready to battle each other for the player this summer.
Kostas Manolas is one of the most reputed centre-backs in Italy. Arriving at AS Roma in the summer of 2014, the player has established himself as a formidable force at the back in the space of 3 seasons. His latest campaign was a major success as well as Roma came close to the title and managed to finish second on the table.
Manolas was a constant presence at the back, with 33 appearances in the league alone and his displays drew attention from the Premier League, in particular. The player was even reported to have agreed personal terms with Zenit recently – a rumour that has since ceded.
(Manolas’ agent): “Inter is an interesting option, but in the same way as Barça, Madrid and Juve. Many teams have spoken to me about Manolas pic.twitter.com/QZ4ClD8cEy
— M·A·J (@UltraAutistic) July 9, 2017
And as it appears, Barcelona and Real Madrid have now decided to step in and pursue the Greek international. Barcelona need to be better equipped for the coming season after a disappointing 2016-17 campaign. Ernesto Valverde wants to beef up the central defence after the departure of Jeremy Mathieu, which has left the club short-handed at the said position.
Real Madrid on the other hand, have plenty of options at their disposal. However, Kostas Manolas could be used as a more ready replacement for Pepe, who has left the club. The club are in a better financial position and their recent continued success has perhaps, given them the edge over Barcelona in the transfer market.
Los Blancos have already beaten Barcelona to Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos. Although, they may have trouble beating Barcelona to Manolas. According to Sport, Barcelona do have an option on Kostas Manolas – an option acquired when they agreed to loan Thomas Vermaelen to the club.
If the aforementioned news is correct, even if Real do manage to steal a march and move quickly, Barcelona will have the opportunity of matching the bid, upon which it will be dependent on the player. It will be interesting to see if either club manages to land Manolas or the Greek defender opts to stay or move elsewhere.
For now though, it looks like we have another transfer battle on the cards. And this time, unlike the other ones recently, it is Barcelona that has the upper hand.
