Premier League Champions Chelsea are preparing to make an huge offer for Roma’s highly-rated central defender Kostas Manolas.
According to a report in The Sport Review, Chelsea have reignited their interest in the Greek international and will now make a massive £42 million offer for the 26-year-old in a bid to reinforce their defence as they prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues were just one of the clubs heavily linked with the center-back last summer but ultimately failed to lure him away from the Stadio Olimpico. Manolas has since rejected a contract extension from the club, fuelling speculation that he would leave the in the coming transfer window.
The Blues, who have now begun to use a 3-man-defence, could certainly use a player of Manolas’ quality. Manolas isn’t the only talented Serie A centerback that they are after, as reports suggest that they have launched a £60 million bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
The report goes on toe suggest that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has ruled out the signing of Juventus stalwart Leonardo Bonucci, who recently turned 30. This is reportedly in favour of signing youngster players and at 26, Manolas certainly fits that profile.
Since arriving in Rome in the summer of 2014, the Greek international has slowly grown to become on the best center-backs in Europe. With his no nonsense style of defending, aerial ability, pace and physical ability, he would easily take to the travails of the English game.
But it is perhaps his ability on the ball, that will appeal to Conte the most. Not only does Manolas have an eye for a pass, but as a ball playing defender, he can build up attacks from behind – something only David Luiz can amongst Chelsea’s current crop of center-backs.
However, Chelsea shouldn’t expect easy business for Manolas. Roma will be well aware of the interest in their star defender and won’t hesitate to hold out for a higher price. Barcelona were said to be keen admirers of the Greek international as were Chelsea’s domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester United and we can very well expect some of these sides to revive their interest in the former Olympiakos defender this summer.
