Arsenal near £6m deal: how will he fit into their side?

Even by Arsene Wenger’s usual standards, Arsenal seem to be curiously short of defensive personnel at the moment.

With Per Mertesacker still finding his feet after Germany’s World Cup campaign, Kieran Gibbs injured and numbers short, Arsenal are on the verge of a defensive crisis.

It’s lucky that new boy Calum Chambers is so versatile. Still, the fact that he’s been forced to fill in as a centre-back so early in the season should sound the warning alarms. The Gunners need to bring in a new central defender and quick!

According to The Metro, The Gunners are close to agreeing a deal for Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas. But is the young Greek defender up to the task?

The source suggests that Manolas is set to have a medical with Arsenal ahead of a £6m move. Things appear to be moving pretty quickly with this deal.

The 23-year-old certainly looks like a good addition to this Arsenal squad. Despite his youth he excelled for Greece as they reached the last 16 of the World Cup. He’s also had Champions League action during his time at Olympiakos.

In other words, he has a decent amount of experience at the top level. If he continues to improve and develop, there’s every chance that he’s going to blossom into a truly world class defender. Perhaps this is why Arsene Wenger is willing to take a gamble on him?

He’s tall, he’s physically strong (and fit), he’s a smart cookie and he positions himself well. It’s not difficult to see him making a mark in the Premier League.

Given that he’d cost just £6m, it’s not like he’s going to break the bank. If he’s prepared to be patient and to sit on the bench for some time during his first season with The Gunners (Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker are first choice after all), then he could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad.

What’s your take? Is this the perfect defensive recruit for Arsenal? Are there other options that they should consider?

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