Arsenal have opened talks with Olympiakos regarding a potential £8million deal for centre-back, Kostas Manolas.
The Greek defender, who featured regularly at the World Cup, has been viewed as a perfect Thomas Vermaelen replacement at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsene Wenger is keen to wrap up the deal quickly for the 23-year-old.
There are fears that Laurent Koscielny has done serious damage to his ankle, and with Per Mertesacker already missing the opening day of the season due to lack of match-fitness, Wenger is keen to avoid using Nacho Monreal at centre-back for the first game of the season.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace on Saturday, and Wenger is keen to get the deal done before then so that Manolas can feature alongside another new signing, Calum Chambers.
The 23-year-old defender was removed from Olympiakos’ squad for a friendly tonight, and it’s believed that is due to the potential transfer.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
