Arsenal
Arsenal Close In On Fifth Signing As Player Lands In London To Undergo Medical
Greek defender Kostas Manolas is in England and undergoing a medical with Arsenal ahead of a proposed £6million switch from Olympiakos, according to reports.
The summer transfer window is now reaching its climax and managers are working hard to make some last minute additions to their squad, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news of Arsenal’s pursuit of Kostas Manolas.
Image: Express
Greek defender Kostas Manolas is in England and undergoing a medical with Arsenal ahead of a proposed £6million switch from Olympiakos, according to widespread reports.
Boss Arsene Wenger is on the look out for a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen after the Belgian’s move to Barcelona and speculation claimed the Frenchman had short-listed Manolas as a potential target.
Further reports suggested Wenger had stepped up his interest by opening formal talks with Olympiakos last week and it now appears we are closing in on the 23-year-old’s signature.
After Sky Sports had claimed Manolas had flown in to England to finalise a move to the Emirates, the Express are one of several newspapers who are reporting that the Greek international is now undergoing a medical in north London ahead of a £6m switch.
The news comes after Wenger confirmed last week that he was short at the back and would sign another centre-back if he can find the right player.
“Vermaelen behaved outstandingly last year – I am grateful for him and I wish him very well,”
“If I can find another centre-back I will do it.” Wenger is quoted as saying by the Express
It appears the Frenchman has now identified Manolas as the man he wants to strengthen his back-line and the youngster could now become our fifth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Mathieu Debuchy, Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers and David Ospina.
Manolas enjoyed an excellent debut season following his free transfer move from AEK Athens last summer as he played a key role in helping Olympiakos cruise to the Greek Super League title.
He also played in the Champions League and was superb for Greece at the World Cup this summer, so I’m sure this top level experience has played an important role in Wenger’s decision to bring him to the Emirates.
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If the move goes through as expected, Manolas will provide some much-needed depth to our centre-back position but he’ll face a stiff fight to break into the first team with the likes of Koscielny, Mertesacker and the impressive Chambers also vying for starting spots.
