Arsenal’s interest in Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas become apparent yesterday and more developments have occurred over the past 24 hours regarding the Greek defender.

The Daily Mail reported that Arsene Wenger is looking to add the 23-year-old to his playing squad but a stumbling block could be his unwillingness to lose his current guarantee of first-team football.

Impressive but would he be fourth choice?

Manolas was part of Greece’s World Cup squad and also impressed with his club side last season but if he moved to the Emirates he would have to accept a role as fourth choice defender.

The latest development regarding the young Greek defender is encouraging for Wenger and Arsenal though.

Manolas hasn’t been included in the Olympiakos squad for their friendly match against Athletic Bilbao this evening and it is rumoured it is because he is looking to move to Arsenal.

£8 million deal on horizon

Metro believe the Gunners have opened talks with the Greek side over a £8 million transfer following his or the clubs decision to not play him tonight.

Although not confirmed, Goal.com are led to believe the two clubs are in discussions over a move and Wenger is keen to wrap up any transfer quickly with fitness concerns over Laurent Koscielny.

A spanner in the works for Arsenal could be the reported interest from Italian giants Juventus, with the Serie A champions set to be in a straight battle with the Gunners to sign Manolas.

Wenger will be desperate to beat Juventus to the signing of Manolas as he wants an established defender and with 165 competitive games already in his career, the 23-year-old is certainly established.

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