Arsenal and Tottenham enquire about Greek defender Kostas Manolas

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both expressed an interest in Roma’s Greek centre-back Kostas Manolas, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The 24-year old was a key figure for the club last season, appearing 40 times in all competitions, and Roma are unsurprisingly reluctant to part ways with him.

The Gazzetta claim that Arsenal and Spurs have made contact with his agent but that Roma - following the high-profile sales of centre-backs Marquinos and Mehdi Benatia in the last two years – view the player as indispensable.

Spurs’ reported interest comes as a surprise considering the signings of centre-backs Kevin Wimmer in May andToby Alderweireld today - as confirmed on their official site– which leaves a lofty seven senior centre-backs on the club’s books

Arsenal’s interest, on the other hand, is more understandable considering the makeshift nature of their back four at times last season. Full-backs Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal both had stints in the centre of defence and beyond Per Mertesacker and Lauren Koscielny, there isn’t much depth, with Gabriel yet to truly settle in.

Manolas is undoubtedly a real talent but both clubs will have their work cut out to prise him away from a determined Roma.