ARSENAL EYE DEFENSIVE DUO

Arsenal are set to make a transfer bid for AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas according to reports from Italy.It is understood that the London club are willing to activate his release clause which is valued at £32 million.

Roma are looking to increase the release clause by offering the defender a new contract but negotiations have stalled. Manolas is also understood to be among the players that are considering their futures after the debacle regarding Danielle Rossi.
Arsenal struggled to keep clean sheets last season with the club having the worst away record for clean sheets.

Club boss Unai Emery is looking to strengthen in the center-back position and Manolas is seen as an ideal target.

The Greek international was previously linked to a move to the Emirates some few seasons back but opted to make a transfer to Italy from Olympiakos.

He has developed into one of the best defenders in the Italian League and at 27 yearsold, he should be close to his peak.

Arsenal are looking to sell a few players to fund the move with German defender ShkodranMustafi among the players on the transfer list.

Manolas would drastically improve the backline of the club but it remains to be seen if a transfer would materialize in the summer.

The club has also been linked with the signing of French youngster William Saliba from Saint-Etienne.

Several former Arsenal players have spoken highly of Saliba including Aliadere and Gael Clichy.

From the looks of things, the young defender is getting close to making the switch. The 6 ft 4 defender is considered as one of the top priorities for the Gunners this summer.
Saint-Etienne are demanding a fee of £35 million and also want the defender on loan next season. It remain to be seen how this one works out in the next few days.