Blues want AS Roma defender in January
Chelsea want to sign AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas in January and are prepared to do whatever it takes to land the Greek international.
Manolas was wanted by Arsenal over the summer after it was revealed he was leaving Olympiakos, but after much consideration and negotiating, it was Roma who won the race, who had just lost Medhi Benatia to Bayern Munich.
With Chelsea missing out on two star defenders over the summer, Jose Mourinho is desperate to put things right and will make a formal move for the Greek international in the New Year.
Defenders Rejected Chelsea
Both John Stones and Marquinhos were targets for the Blues over the summer, with five offers in total made for the duo, but all five were knocked back by their respective clubs.
Mourinho ended up signing two cheaper alternatives on Transfer Deadline Day, but he’s ready to make amends in January and it looks like his focus is now on Manolas.
According to reports in Italy, Roma are preparing bids for Manolas by searching for suitable replacements, and high on their list is Inter Milan star Andrea Ranocchia, who has fallen out of favour under Roberto Mancini.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
