Reports in the British media have revealed that Greek international, Kostas Manolas’s decision to snub a new contract with his current team AS Roma have alerted the likes of Arsenal and other Premier League clubs.
Snubbing of contract
Manolas was reportedly offered a deal worth £2.2million-a-week according to reports in the Italian media. However, Roma will not let him leave on the cheap as the Greek international has a contract with AS Roma which expires only in 2019.
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The Gunners had enquired about the 25-year-old in the summer but signed German international Shkodran Mustafi instead.
It is believed that an offer was made to the Italian side in the summer but Roma was unwilling to sell the 25-year-old due to a clause in his contract, which would see them handing half of the fee to his former club Olympiakos.
Gunners on the move
Manolas started his career with youth side Pannaxiakos in Greece before getting his break with AEK Athens. He was scouted by his uncle Stelios Manolas, a technical director with AEK Athens, before being offered a three-year deal in 2009.
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The Gunners splashed the cash in the summer on Mustafi and Perez are willing to break the bank once again as they look to shore up their defence. The Greek international could replace Per Mertesacker at Arsenal, but in order for that to happen, the London club would have to make a decisive move to lure him. The German international has been injury prone in recent seasons and his absence has left Wenger looking for more viable options.
Reports in The Sun have also revealed that Barcelona and Manchester City are also interested in signing Manolas.
Past interest from Premier League sides
The Greek has popped up on the Premier League radar earlier as well back in the 2011-2012 season, with Everton reportedly showing interest in the Greek international. The then Everton manager, David Moyes, had even praised Manolas, "Manolas has huge talent and is a player for the future.”
Although a deal was reached between the clubs, the player’s unwillingness to leave AEK Athens meant that the deal was off. Instead, he honoured his commitments towards the club before leaving on a free transfer for arch-rivals Olympiacos.
After a couple of seasons with the Greek side, he moved to Italian outfit, AS Roma for an estimated fee of €15 million. He has been with Roma since 2014 and has made 75 appearances for the club, scoring twice.
Considered a quick central defender, Manolas also possesses the strength to battle physical attackers as well. His positioning has improved since his arrival in the Serie A and his ability to read the game with minimal effort marks him out as a talent who can excel in the Premier League.
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