With Per Mertesacker ageing and no talks of a contract renewal with only one year left on the contract of the German, there is a real chance that he will not play for Arsenal beyond next season. And because of this, Arsenal need to bring in another centre back.
Subsequently, the Gunners have been linked with the signing of a couple of world class centre backs. Subotic was linked recently, but it appears the Serbian won't be kicking a ball anytime soon due to an injury, Rudiger of Roma has also been linked with a move to the Emirates. Aside from the aforementioned though, Arsenal have been dealt a blow in the chase for yet another of Wenger target in the centre back position.
Italian Serie A club AS Roma is set to table a new contract offer for Kostas Manolas, who is a target of Arsenal and London rivals Chelsea. An improved contract will see the Greek star remain at Roma beyond the summer transfer window. This is according to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, who claims we are in a £38m transfer tussle for his signature.
The Greece international defender Manolas has been a key player at the Stadio Olimpico and has impressed in Serie A in general. Statistically, last season, it was a sensational season for the defender, which saw him score 2 goals and assist 2 goals in 37 Serie A matches. His defensive stats per match were impressive also, as he had an average of 1.9 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 4.1 clearances.
According to reports, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are both eyeing the 25-year-old defender for a summer move, with the Italian side slapping £38million price tag on the Greek's head.
Roma president James Palotta, earlier this month, claimed that Manolas will remain at the Serie A club and will not be sold. Now that Gianluca Di Marizo is reporting the defender will be offered a new improved contract towards the end of the summer, it appears the Italians are keeping true to their word.
The improved offer is expected to keep the player at the club amid interest from the London clubs, as the offer matches his wage demands. He has reportedly been offered a five-year contract.
With this report, it is safe to assume Roma are merely trying to get themselves in a position of strength. Should the player want to leave, he will end up leaving. We all know contracts are no longer taken seriously in football. It is not uncommon to see players sign a contract and then leave months later. It happened to us with Fabregas.
Sadly knowing Wenger, once Manolas signs a new contract and his value goes up, the Frenchman is sure to pull out of the race to sign him, which gives Chelsea the perfect opportunity of signing the highly rated centre back instead of us.
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