According to the most recent reports, AS Roma have resigned themselves to losing Kostanos Manolas and both Arsenal and Chelsea lead the charge for his signature.

This is far from the first time that Arsenal have been linked with a move for the centre back and the club are certainly looking to reinforce in that area.

While many people thought Per Mertesacker’s days as first choice at the club were over, the rumours that he is likely to promoted from vice captain to captain means that there might be some life left in his giant legs yet.

That doesn’t mean Arsenal don’t need a central defender.

Gabriel has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League and will need more time to get accustomed to the pace of the game while Calum Chambers may or may not be just a figment of our imagination.

Manolas signed for Roma in 2014 for around €15m. The right-footer will, however, cost considerably more than that should a team manage to force Roma to let him go after only two seasons.

His contract runs until 2019.