Arsenal scout Roma defender Kostas Manolas as transfer deadline looms

Arsenal have reportedly been scouting Roma defender Kostas Manolas as Arsene Wenger continues his search for new players. The Frenchman is known to be in the market for a centre-back and the Serie A star is the latest player being considered by the Gunners ahead of deadline day on 31 August.

An Arsenal scout reportedly watched Manolas, 25, during Roma's Champions League qualifier against Porto, according to the Daily Mail. However, the Italian side lost the game 3-0 and had two men sent off as they failed to reach the group stage of Europe's premier club competition.

Manolas is said to be the latest in an increasingly long list of players being analysed by Arsenal, who are currently without the injured Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. In their absence, the Gunners have been forced to field the inexperienced Rob Hoding at centre-back and are yet to win a game this season.

Other players linked with Arsenal in recent days include West Brom's Jonny Evans and Shkodran Mustafi, the Valencia and Germany defender. Indeed, Wenger has admitted he wants to conclude a deal for Mustafi soon. "Mustafi? We hope it will be done," the Arsenal boss recently told French TV station SFR Sport, as quoted by the Evening Standard. "We are struggling to find the players we need. "

Wenger has also rubbished criticism of his transfer policy, insisting he is willing to spend money if the right opportunity presents itself. However, he also warned that spending is no guarantee of success.

"If I buy you tomorrow for £45m that means I've bought you for £45m, have I done well? Yes, if I listen to you, I will have done well because I spent the money. That is not a quality, buying a top player, that is different – and we are ready to do that. I spend £300m if I find the player and if I have the £300m," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.