AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas has become the latest player to be linked with Arsenal as the club looks forward to a major rebuilding of the team in the summer.
According to Goal, Wenger is a big admirer of the centre-back, his age and his “reading of the game”, especially are said to be factors that have motivated the Gunners boss to make a move for him
The Frenchman is interested in bringing the versatile defender to the Emirates stadium and will try his luck again, after failing to secure his signature in the summer of 2014 after being heavily linked with club; he eventually moved to Italy from Greece club Olympiacos.
With many old legs in the team as well as an absence of consistency from potential successors to the old legs, a number of players are on the club’s radar ahead of the transfer window.
The defence is a source of concern for Wenger after watching his side losing points in matches that should have been won. He is on the lookout for a replacement for Per Mertesacker who age is no longer on his side. The 31-year- old German has suffered a drop in form this season and Laurent Koscienly consistency has also been limited due to injuries.
But Arsenal will have to fend off competitions from Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United for the signature of the Greece international. Goal reported that Chelsea are believed to be in pole position to land the 24-year-old as in coming Blues manager Antonio Conte has already held talks with Roma over a potential deal for the defender in the summer.
Manolas is contracted to the Giallorossi and has made 64 appearances for the Italian giants. He has been credited with 86% pass accuracy in the Serie A this season.
Should he make the reported move then Per Mertesacker will have to drop down the pecking order of centre-backs at the club.
However, as with all things with the Arsenal, Wenger could come up with one surprising alternative like drafting Nacho Monreal in to the middle – the Spaniard has played there and performed admirably when called upon and it will be nothing of a surprise if Wenger utilises this option.
