According to reports from The Express yesterday morning, Arsenal have revived their interest in Roma defender Kostas Manolas.
The Greek international was strongly linked with a Gunners switch last summer as Arsene Wenger sought further depth at centre-half, but eventually moved to Stadio Olympico for an £11million fee instead.
That hasn’t deterred the Emirates gaffer’s long-term interest in the 24 year-old, however, with The Express claiming the Premier League title contenders have made contact with Manolas’ agent Mino Raiola – whose other clients include Mario Balotelli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.
North London rivals Spurs were also believed to be courting the former Olympiacos man, who claimed back-to-back titles during his tenure with the Greek outfit. But the confirmed signing of centre-back Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid has likely ended their interest.
Regardless, Arsenal may still struggle to sign Manolas this summer. Roma are reluctant to sell following an impressive debut campaign from the 6 foot 1 defender, in which he averaged 1.9 tackles, 2.5 interceptions, 5.9 clearances and 2.4 successful aerial duels per match in Serie A.