Chelsea are reportedly striving to succeed where Arsenal failed to sign Roma defender, Kostas Manolas.

  • Arsenal were supposed to sign Manolas last summer but Roma rejected offer
  • Signed Shkondran Mustafi instead
  • Chelsea sent officials to watch Manolas in action against Milan
  • Willing to offer £30m to bring Manolas to London

Arsenal attempted to sign the 25-year-old centreback from Roma last summer but wires were crossed and the deal never went ahead.

Arsenal signed Shkondran Mustafi from Valencia instead and that was that.

Now, although there have been some reports that the Gunners are set to return for the Greece international, Chelsea allegedly sent officials to watch Manolas in action against Milan recently.

The Blues are said to be willing to offer £30m for Manolas. However, considering 50% of the fee apparently goes to former club, Olympiacos, Roma may hold out for a higher bid.

He currently has two years left on Roma contract.