After a move in the summer failed to transpire, maybe Kostas Manolas could be headed to London after all, according to reports. Manloas snubbed a move to Chelsea in favour of a stay at Rome in the summer. However, reports have confirmed that Chelsea are now interested in the defender again after learning that Manolas has signed a deal with AS Roma which includes a £32.75 million release clause.
It is being learnt that 26-year-old has been rewarded for his loyalty with a hefty pay rise, which will send his annual salary from £2.5 million to around 3.1 million. The Greek defender is one of the best centre-backs in Serie A and AS Roma will want to keep hold of him.
The Romans are off to a great start to this season and there is a possible title chase on the way should they be able to keep up their current form. They have outclassed most opponents not just on the domestic front but also on the European counters and will be expected to win their group, which contains the likes of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, after matchday six.
Manolas has been a key part of the defence and will be sorely missed should he choose to be lured away by offers from England. Antonio Conte has been a long-time admirer of the player and will want to bring in a second defender from AS Roma after signing Antonio Rudiger in the summer. The 24-year old German is a good player with great potential but is still behind the likes of Manolas who know have mastered the ABCs of defending.
Although a player of Manolas’ quality would walk straight into any line-up across Europe right now, including that of Chelsea, the Blues will have to deal with a problem of plenty.
Kostas Manolas will be an upgrade on Gary Cahill, who appears to be past his prime and looking more and more average with every passing game. What his welcome would do, however, is that it would slow down the development of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, with Antonio Conte likely to put Manolas along with David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta at the heart of his defence, should the Greek international make the switch.
While getting Manolas would be a major boost in the backline, Chelsea have bigger issues to deal with. The club is suffering from a serious shortage of players after a mass exodus in the summer and will need to bring in wing backs on the left flank and a recognized striker first to stop them from collapsing. Maybe instead of chasing Manolas, that is what they should be focusing on.
