Kostas Manolas is not for sale, according to Roma’s sporting director Monchi.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are targeting the centre-back, but Monchi has denied the suggestions, saying: “Manolas for sale? No, we are working to sign players, not sell them.
“I spend all day with the players and can see they have faith in the coach and the system they are adopting.”
Earlier in the summer it was reported that the centre-back was certain to move to Zenit St. Petersburg after a deal was apparently agreed. However, Sky Sports claimed it broke down because the Russian club wanted to pay his wages in Roubles, whilst Manolas wanted them in Euros.
After that, the player was linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, but it seems the Italian club no longer have any desire to sell. There were suggestions the Gunners were after Manolas last summer.
Roma’s refusal to negotiate led to Arsenal signing Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia instead. The Gunners reportedly didn’t take Roma’s conduct well, refusing to let them sign Wilshere on loan later in August.
Roma/Arsenal deal for Wilshere not easy. #AFC angry at Roma conduct in Manolas talks this summer. Still hope for #CPFC & #AFCB #DeadlineDay
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 31, 2016
Arsenal have made multiple defensive moves in the past few days, with Gabriel leaving permanently for Valencia, while Cohen Bramall and Carl Jenkinson going on loan to Birmingham City.
The only centre-backs over the age of 23 left at the club are Per Mertesacker, Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny. Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolašinac can both fill in, but so far the defence has conceded four goals in two games with the left-back duo in it.
Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have both shown promise but are inexperienced. So whilst it’s possible that the Gunners could look to bring someone in before the deadline, a deal for Manolas looks difficult.