If Football insider football news website is worth believing, Arsenal are ready to go head to head with Chelsea for the signature of centre back Kostas Manolas once the transfer window opens. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are said to be in the transfer market for a centre back this summer with both club’s captain likely to leave the club soon.
Chelsea captain John Terry has announced he and Chelsea haven’t been able to agree terms on a new contract and that he would be leaving the club at the end of the current season while Per Mertesacker who will be 32 years old by September this year when the next season starts hasn’t been offered a new deal with only one year left on his current deal. Which means the world cup winner could be on his way out of the Emirates either this summer or at the end of his contract.
Chelsea’s newly appointed manager Antonio Conte has earmarked AS Roma’s Kostas Manolas as Terry’s long term replacement but according to football insider, Arsenal are sure they can beat the Blues to the signing of the high rated Greek. According to the report, Arsenal will make an offer of £30 million to AS Roma which they hope will be good enough to convince the Italian club side to sell the centre back.
The report went furthet to state that the fact that Arsenal are in the Champions League and Chelsea are not will make it easier for the Gunners to beat the Blues to the signing of the centre back.
Manolas had been the subject of a reported £8 million bid from Arsenal just two years ago before AS Roma beat them to his signing.
With Arsenal having a long term interest in the player, that may actually sway things in favour of the Gunners. Losing out on the signing of Manolas will be a massive blow to Chelsea if it happens.
