Arsenal’s search for another top defender seems to be getting wider. They used their scouting network really well last time around as they got Gabriel Paulista from Spain and now it seems the club is ready to move to Italy to make their next young defender signing.
Kostas Manolas, who plays for Roma could be in line to make a move to the Premier League club. He was scouted many times earlier by Everton but certain reasons did not see the deal go through a few years ago, now that he is wiser and more experienced in playing for a top league, Manolas could be a diamond waiting to be unearthed, we look at who this player is and what he provides for his team.
A Greek freak!
Manolas started playing professional for the team that he supported, he was scouted by his uncle, the legendary AEK Athens player, Stelios Manolas. It was his dream to play for the club and he guided them a victory in the Greek Cup in 2011. Things did not go well with Manolas though or with the club, AEK were in dire financial constraints and had to get rid of a lot of their top players so that they could manage their finances.
Manolas was set to join Everton in 2012 but he opted to stay in Greece and signed for Olympiacos, where he won two league titles. His performances for the club caught the fancy of Roma who signed him up in 2014.
The 24-year-old centre back has seen his stock rise gradually and is considered to be one of the best young defenders in the world. Roma could ask for something in the range of £15-20 million for the 24-year-old and that is the right amount for a defender who can only get better.
Manolas is certainly built for the part of playing as a central defender, he might not be the most comfortable with the ball at his feet but he can take care of the ball and get rid of it. His passing is an issue, which needs to be worked on, especially if he does sign for Arsenal. He is strong in the air and is exceptionally quick for a player his size, again a positive facet of his game.
He has spent a year in a top European league and has not looked out of place; it will be no surprise if Arsenal do sign him. Young, fast and highly talented, he is a name to watch out for in the future.