Arsenal and Tottenham are hopeful of signing defender Kostas Manolas
Arsenal will face competition from north London rivals Tottenham in January, for the signing of AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas.
With Chelsea having failed to stump up the cash to sign the Greece international during the summer, the Gunners and Spurs are instead set to battle it out for the 24-year-old.
Arsenal have suffered unfortunately with injuries this season and want to bolster their defensive options in January, in hope of winning their first league title since 2004. Both Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have had spells out of the side this season due to injury.
Tottenham meanwhile, are hopeful of adding a defender to go straight into their starting XI in January, having got off to a good start to the season themselves.
Manolas commanding high price
With the Greek defender under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2019 and having started all 14 of AS Roma’s games, as they sit third in Serie A, the Giallorossi are expected to demand a high fee for the centre-back.
Arsenal are prepared to spend big on the defender in January, having failed to sign an outfield player during the summer.
However, the question is whether Arsenal will want to meet the Italian side’s asking price, after big-spending Chelsea decided to pull the plug on a deal.
