One of the biggest areas of concern for Arsenal is the defence and it is only natural that we are being linked with a number of high profile defenders.
According to reports in Italy, Unai Emery is looking at making a move for Roma centre half Kostas Manolas who reportedly has a release clause in the region of £31 Million.
Manolas has been with Roma for five years and in that time has appeared for them in 156 games, scoring on five occasions.
The Greek international is viewed in some quarters as a reliable strong defender that would be an upgrade on some of the defenders currently in our squad.
I am not so sure.
The 27-year-old has been a part of a Roma defence that has gone backwards since last season when they conceded just 28 goals, however, this campaign they have let in no less than 47 goals from 36 Serie A games, not far off what Arsenal have conceded and Manolas has been a central figure in that porous defence.
There is no guarantee that he would be the upgrade we are seeking and at a cost of £31 Million, it can be argued that there is better value out there, especially when you also consider that there is no evidence he would adapt to the English game.
I am not saying that Manolas would not be a success but I am saying that he has declined over the last 12 months and his acquisition is risky.
Juventus are also said to be keen on the player and therefore we would have to qualify for the Champions League if we are to be as attractive a destination as what the Italian Champions would be.
That said, it is positive news that we continue to be linked with these high profile defenders, I just hope that we end up landing the right one. The last thing we need is to spend a lot of money and to get it wrong.