Arsenal and Chelsea issued hands-off warning over £38m defensive target

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly been told to forget about signing Greece international defender Kostas Manolas this summer, according to the Evening Standard.

The Premier League duo, who finished second and tenth in the English top-flight standings last term, have been continually linked with a move for the AS Roma centre-half ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who has 23 international caps for his country, scored two goals and provided three assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Manolas, who joined Roma from Greek outfit Olympiacos back in August 2014 following his reported €15m switch, is understood to be valued at £38m nowadays.

However the report suggests that Italian side Roma have issued a hands-off warning to the Gunners and Blues, by club president James Palotta.

He said, “Why on earth should Manolas leave?

“Juan Jesus and Nacho are two experienced defenders who are going to help us. The team is working very hard for the Champions League play off stage.”