Arsenal Target Kostas Manolas To Snub Wenger And Join Roma

Arsenal's chance to sign Arsene Wenger target Kostas Manolas looks over, as reports in Italy claim the Olympiakos centre-back is to move to Roma.

Even though the Gunners have signed the versatile Calum Chambers from Southampton, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently admitted he is still on the market for a new centre-back to replace Thomas Vermaelen.

Nevertheless, following the former captain's move to Barcelona, Arsenal are short of players in the back line, with Chambers being the only quality replacement for the starting duo Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

Recent reports claimed Wenger had earmarked Manolas to fill Vermaelen's vacancy as his top priority before the end of the transfer window, after the Greek international impressed him during the World Cup.

€13 million transfer deal

Some reports earlier this month even claimed the 23-year-old had undergone his medical with the Gunners ahead of his move to North London – with Arsenal set to meet Olympiakos' £8m demand for the defender.

However, after negotiations with the Gunners stalled for more than a week, Roma emerged as a candidate to secure Manolas, and La Gazetta Dello Sport reports that the Serie A giants have won his services.

The Italian newspaper claimed Manolas arrived in Roma on Tuesday (26 August) and will commit to a five-year contract with the Serie A giants, who will pay €13m (£10m, ($17.2m) for the defender.

Meanwhile, La Gazzetta Dello Sport added that Manolas' arrival will mean Manchester United target Mehdi Benatia will leave the Serie A giants for Bayern Munich, rather than the Premiere League.