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Arsenal transfer news: Kostas Manolas latest centre-back considered by Arsene Wenger

23-year-old Greek defender is an option, according to reports

Tom Sheen
Thursday 14 August 2014 12:28 BST
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Arsene Wenger is reported to have added Kostas Manolas to his list of targets as he searches for extra defensive cover.

The Arsenal manager was yesterday linked with Benedikt Howedes, William Carvalho and Luiz Gustavo as he searches for a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who joined Barcelona at the weekend.

After Laurent Koscielny picked up a knock in the Community Shield win and Per Mertesacker not yet fully fit, Wenger has just 19-year-old defender Calum Chambers, who played most of last season at right back, as his only recognised centre-back.

Left-back Nacho Monreal had to play the second half against Manchester City in the middle and while he performed well, Wenger cannot afford to gamble on his producing the same performance in the Premier League.

The Daily Mail report that 23-year-old Manolas, who impressed in the World Cup for Greece, is now an option for Wenger.

Manolas has played for Olympiakos in the Champions League, but Wenger could find it difficult to persuade him to join the north London club, with Mertesacker and Koscielny entrenched as first choice.

He was one of his team's best performers in Brazil as Greece reached the last-16, where they were knocked out on penalties by Costa Rica.

Manolas has won the Greek title in both his seasons in Athens and scored five goals in all competitions last season.

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