#Latestnews Emirates Stadium side set to sign Thomas Vermaelen replacement. Arsenal are close to completing their move to sign Greek defender Kostas Manolas according to Goal. The 23 year old Olympiakos star is undergoing a medical at the north London club ahead of a move to join Arsenal where he will no doubt be drafted in to replace Thomas Vermaelen following his move to Barcelona. Arsene Wenger has been looking to strengthen his defensive options and its believed that an £8m deal to bring in the centre-back is imminent. Serie A title holders Juventus are also keen on Manolas but Arsenal are said to be leading the chase for the World Cup star. Wenger used youngster Calum Chambers at centre-back for Arsenals opening day victory over Crystal Palace with the teenager partnering Laurent Koscielny with Per Mertesacker not yet ready for a first team return following his World Cup endeavours. A move for Manolas would prove Arsenals fifth high-profile capture of the summer following the acquisition of Barcelonas Alexis Sanchez, French full-back Mathieu Debuchy, Colombian keeper David Ospina and the aforementioned Chambers. #LORD
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 09:26:09 +0000