Manchester United and Bayern Munich Enter Race for Arsenal Target Kostas Manolas

Manchester United and Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal target Kostas Manolas from Greek side Olympiacos.

According to the Mirror, the two European giants are looking to beat Arsenal and Juventus who are currently leading the race to sign the Greek international.

Arsene Wenger is keen to secure the defender, as he seeks a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who left for Barcelona earlier in the summer.

However, it looks like the Gunners are in for a battle as United and Bayern are also in dire need for a defensive cover and are willing to match any price set for the defender by his current employers.

Louis van Gaal has made strengthening his a defence a priority and had targeted Arsenal man Vermaelen before losing him out to the Catalan club. It now looks like he is keen to land a similar blow to his Premier League rivals by usurping their primary defender target.

The Bavarian giants are late entrants into this race and it is because of the recent injury sustained by Javi Martinez, who plays as a central defender for Pep Guardiola's men. The Spanish international is going to be out of action for seven months.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos strategic director Christian Karembeu has revealed that there has been considerable interest for their defender. He admitted that for the right price, they are willing to sell the defender.

"We are not willing to negotiate his sale for less than £8m. We have not set a deadline for clubs to bid but, if we receive the right offer, we're willing to sell him. Otherwise, we will keep him," Karembeu said, as quoted in the Telegraph.

The Greek club's strategic director also revealed that they have got an offer from Italian giants Juventus, but claimed that they are not the only club interested in signing the defender.

"Juventus are interested and have made a sound offer. They are not the only ones interested in him, though. In the last few days, interesting proposals have also arrived from England," the former Real Madrid midfielder added.