Arsenal ‘ready to activate £31m release clause of Roma defender Manolas’
The 27-year-old - who is tied down in Italy until 2022 - has also been linked with Manchester United in the past
ARSENAL are reportedly prepared to trigger Kostas Manolas' £31million release clause at Roma as Unai Emery looks to bolster his backline.
The Greek centre-back could be set to end his five-year love affair with the Serie A outfit and finally make the switch to England as the Gunners eye a cut-price deal.
Due to a clause in the 27-year-olds's contract, Manolas is available for £31m, and will be allowed to leave in the summer if the Giallorossi don't finish in the top four.
Manolos - currently out of action with a sprained ankle - is tied down at Roma until 2022.
According to Italian news outlet Arsenal are looking to snare him away from Rome, but know they face competition for his signature.
Manchester United have also been linked with the ex-Olympiakos ace as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to shore up his leaky defence.
While Chelsea were believed to be monitoring his progress at the Stadio Olimpico earlier on in the season.
But Arsenal are looking to beat their rivals to the signing of Manolas, with a centre-back a key priority for Emery.
The North London side have reportedly made a £10.5m bid for Gremio ace Walter Kannemann.
LATEST ARSENAL NEWS
Though fans have been left underwhelmed by the news, as they claim it as a "typical Arsenal signing".
It's expected to be a busy summer at the Emirates with the club eyeing up moves for a number of players, with Rennes ace Ismaila Sarr a £25m target.
And they could make a move for Hakim Ziyech after Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars revealed their player of the year is free to move on at the end of the season.