Arsenal have reportedly received a huge blow in the race to sign AS Roma centre-half Kostas Manolas as the Greek defender is en route to extending his contract with the Serie A side. London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea have long been admirers of the player as they came close to landing him repeatedly in the past two seasons.
But, Roma have always been steadfast in their decision with the player and now with his deal extending two seasons late, the Italian club is ready to extend his contract with a significant rise in wage. Inter Milan are also among his prime suitors who have recently turned into a billionaire club. And Roma know that they can only keep their star defender by changing his wage structure.
The 25-year-old centre-half currently earns £33,000-a-week and Roma are willing to increase it up to £50,000-a-week. On the other hand, with yet another quality option out of the target list, Arsenal would need to step up their search for an equally potent option. Arsenal have already signed a defender in Schalke’s Sead Kolasinac, and a centre back is on Wenger’s target list.
Here are the 3 replacements Arsenal can consider signing-
Michael Keane- Definitely one of the hottest defensive prospects this summer, the Burnley defender has been a revelation last term in the English Premier League. The 24-year-old Manchester United academy product was sold by Louis Van Gaal as he failed to impress in Old Trafford, but he has progressed immensely in the last two seasons and the Red Devils are one of his prime suitors now.
Arsenal are looking to replace Gabriel Paulista, who has been immensely inconsistent at the back for them. With Calum Chambers returning from his loan stint at Middlesbrough, Arsenal will have a strong bench as they approach Europa League’s hectic fixture and Keane’s addition will only make them stronger.
Ben Gibson- The Middlesbrough ace has been yet another surprise package for last season. At 24, he has shown maturity way beyond his age and his impressive displays in an otherwise below average squad also earned him a national call-up.
With World Cup coming up, the player would be looking at an important season next term, which he surely cannot get in the Championship. He will get a good coach in Arsene Wenger, who is known to bring up young talents, with the latest example being Rob Holding.
Davinson Sánchez- The 20-year-old centre-half showed his class against Manchester United in the Champions League with some authoritative defending. With Ajax retaining most of the possession throughout the game, the centre-halves played a crucial role in pushing the team up with some delicious long balls.
And the Colombian international showed some real class in holding off Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. He has scored six goals and provided two assists last season, and is definitely one for the future.
