According to reports in British tabloid Independent, Arsenal have agreed terms with Olympiakos to sign Greek defender Kostas Manolas on a £8m deal. The reports suggests that the 23 year old has already undergone a medical for the Gunners and an official confirmation is imminent. The defender had an impressive World Cup campaign and was named among the top 50 players of the showcase tournament in Brazil.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been looking to bring in a centre-back as a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian who completed his switch to Barcelona earlier this summer. Wenger believes that he needs an able back up to the first choice pair of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker should the French-German pair be affected by injuries.
Earlier Juventus and Roma were also interested to sign Manolas but reported died down ever since the past week which meant Arsenal could take advantage of the situation surrounding the player. Olympiakos director Christian Karembeu had earlier mentioned the potential suitors that they would have to splash £8m to sign the player, a figure which Arsenal were more than willing to meet. Karembeu had also earlier made it clear to the Olympiakos faithful that Manolas had earlier decided to leave the club this summer.
Manolas has had 13 caps for Greece in his International career and is in line for more outings thanks to his tough tackling ability and his agile defensive discipline. Manolas’ aerial prowess allows him Arsenal with an attacking threat with long balls into the box. Moreover the player also comes with a goal scoring pedigree as he scored two goals in eight Champions League appearances.
Wenger had earlier signed Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debucy to add to his defensive discipline but has been in desperate need a quality centre backs. Manolas however isn’t expected to be first choice but will certainly have his chance to show his mettle in the domestic Cup competitions.