Now that Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is looking for another centre-back after Thomas Vermaelen left Arsenal for Barcelona, it is no surprise that the papers are looking for new targets after it was revealed that Mats Hummels has been made captain at Dortmund so is definitely not available.
The latest defender to be linked is the 23 year-old Kostas Manolas from Olympiakos.The Greek international has been a regular in the top flight of Greek football for five years with AEK Athens and Olympiakos, so he may not be too keen to be demoted to fourth choice at Arsenal if it will put his international place at risk.
Arsene Wenger…..
“It’s very difficult to compare (with past squads) but yeah, in the last two years I’ve been speaking about big transfers.
“In the years before that we always lost big transfers so (the current policy) has now strengthened the squad.”
“If I can find another centre back I will do it,”
The Metro reports that Juventus and Napoli are both interested, but Arsenal’s relationship with Olympiakos may give the Gunners the edge, especially after loaning them Joel Campbell last season.
Manolas scored five goals in 36 games last season which is a good return for an out and out defender so perhaps he could be utilized in games against softer opposition until he is ready to challenge the ageing Per Mertesacker for a first team place.
Has anyone seen him in action before?