Roma insist they will not sell Chelsea and Arsenal target Kostas Manolas

Roma insist defender Kostas Manolas will not be leaving the club this summer, despite interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea. Greece international Manolas has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after his agent revealed the defender has no intention of signing a contract extension in the Eternal City.

Roma have signed defender Juan Jesus, with Real Madrid's Nacho also edging closer to a move to the Italian capital. However, the Giallorossi insist these deals do not pave the way for Manolas to leave.

"Why on earth should Manolas leave?" Roma president James Pallotta was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard. "Juan Jesus and Nacho are two experienced defenders who are going to help us. The team is working very hard for the Champions League play-off stage."

Chelsea confirmed the signing of midfielder N'Golo Kante from Leicester City on Saturday (16 July) and are now expected to make recruiting another centre-half a priority. The club have already been frustrated in their attempts to reinforce their options at the back, however.

Leonardo Bonucci emerged as a target following Antonio Conte's appointment at the club but Manchester City's interest in the Italy international could complicate matters, with Pep Guardiola's new side ready to pay £51m for the 29-year-old, according to The Times.

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly has also been considered. The Senegal international has stalled on new contract talks with the Serie A club and, despite Everton also chasing his signature, would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Napoli insist they have no intention of cashing in on their 25-year-old though, telling the player they expect him to honour his contract at the Stadio San Paolo.