Arsenal ready to scupper Chelsea’s pursuit of £30m-rated AS Roma centre-half

Arsenal are reportedly ready to try and hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of Greece international defender Kostas Manolas this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Premier League side; who currently sit third in the English top-flight standings after defeating Watford 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but still 11 points adrift of league leaders Leicester City, are interested in signing the AS Roma centre-half once the 2015-16 campaign has concluded.

The 24-year-old, who has 23 international caps for his country, has scored one goal and provided two assists in 38 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit so far this season.

Manolas, who is rated at around £30m according to reports, was almost signed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger two years ago from Greek club Olympiakos.

However the report suggests that Arsenal are ready to reignite their interest in the defender, although newly appointed Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has identified the Roma star as one of his top transfer targets at Stamford Bridge this summer.