Boost For Arsenal And Chelsea As Top Transfer Target Skips Medical Of Russian Club
Jun 29, 2017 at 10:56 AM
Arsenal and Chelsea were given a huge boost in their pursuit of Greek defender Kostas Manolas as the players has missed his medical at his new club.
In what is a bizarre story for Italian side AS Roma, Manolas was set to be sold this summer to raise some funds quickly.
The Serie A giants are close to crossing the line when it comes to FFP rules and they are ready to offload some of their highest earners this summer.
Manolas is one such player who is constantly linked with an exit and the Sky Sports reported that the is close to a move to Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg, who were ready to meet his valuation of just £30m this summer.
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It is reported that a medical was booked for the player this mid-week, however, it now looks like Manolas has taken a U-turn regarding his decision to move to Russia.
According to the reports, Manolas is now demanding his wage be paid in Euros rather than Rubles.
It is understood that the player is unhappy with the lack of stability of the value of Rubles and wants to be paid in a more stable currency.
A deal might yet be resolved and Manolas might yet join Zenit but having missed his first medical at the club, the 26-year old could now be up in the transfer market yet again.
Chelsea and Arsenal have been looking at the Greek star for some time now.
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Arsenal decided to spend on Shkodran Mustafi last summer but with Per Mertesacker leaving the club this summer, they might want Manolas to beef up their backline.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are desperate for a centre-back and Antonio Conte has been looking at the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Virgil van Dijk for a move this summer.
Manolas, at just 26, is a superb option for the biggest clubs in Europe and surely, both London clubs will now make their move for the player.
However, it is to be seen if Zenit are ready to miss out on him, having also booked a medical for him ahead of a move this summer.