Chelsea are one of the many English teams currently in the transfer market for a defender. They are yet to resolve the future of Antonio Conte at the club but the recruitment board have started to search for potential stars, who can improve their squad next season.
While there are a few roles the Blues will need upgrades on, a centre-back is of an urgent requirement at Stamford Bridge. Brazil star David Luiz lost the trust of Conte mid-way last season and though might still have a future under a new manager, is a player that needs a long-term replacement.
So Chelsea are now looking for players that can walk into their first team this summer and one player they are now linked with is Kostas Manolas.
A transfer target for the Blues in the past, Manolas has retained his reputation as one of the best defenders in Serie A and was crucial in AS Roma’s run to the semi-final last season in the Champions League. He joined the Italian giants in 2014 and has ever since been a regular in the side, making 129 Serie A appearances for the side.
The 27-year old is yet to win a trophy in Italy but his contract in Rome expires only in 2022. But reports suggest that Chelsea have opened talks with his agent, over a move this summer. It is understood that they are willing to pay £33m for his services and at that price, he is an absolute bargain. Roma are yet to reveal if he is up for sale but FFP issues might force them before the start of the new season.
So is Manolas a decent signing for Chelsea?
A strong and confident defender, who is hardly ever beaten in the air, Manolas is a hard-working player, who loves to throw himself around at the back. He is disciplined, rarely allows space in behind and is quick to cut out passes. He is an old-school centre-half who hates to take risks but his distribution from the back, even under pressure makes him a huge asset.
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Chelsea have Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as their best CBs at the club with Cesar Azpilicueta’s versatility adding strength to the backline. Gary Cahill has turned 32 while David Luiz remains the only other option in the squad for this role.
So it makes sense for the club to spend on a first-team star like Manolas, who will push first team players to a spot in the side. At just 27, he is a long-term option and is definitely a player they should sign.
