Why this £21m-rated defender should choose Chelsea over Man United and Arsenal

Kostas Manolas is a name on several Premier League clubs’ lips ahead of the forthcoming January transfer window, including the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the Metro.

The 25-year-old, who has 27 international caps for his native Greece, has already made 16 appearances in all competitions for Serie A side AS Roma so far this season.

Photo: Offside / IPP.

Manolas, who has also featured for the likes of AEK Athens and Olympiacos, is understood to be attracting the top-flight giants ahead of the new year period given the Italian club have failed to agree terms on a contract extension for the centre-half.

It is understood that the player, who is valued at around £21.25m (via Transfermarkt), wants a pay rise at the Stadio Olimpico.

So, with the Greek star on the radar of United, Arsenal and Chelsea, Shoot! takes a look at why the Roma ace should opt for Stamford Bridge in January.

Here are our reasons…

Opportunity to become John Terry’s replacement

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

With the legendary captain’s Chelsea career continually counting down, Manolas’ arrival at Stamford Bridge in January could be the perfect preparation for Terry’s expected farewell next summer.

Now 35-years-old; the former England international is expected to call time on his Blues career come the end of the season, which would present the Greek ace an opportunity to fill the boots of one of the Premier League’s finest ever defenders.

Alongside the likes of David Luiz and Kurt Zouma, as well as 30-year-old Gary Cahill, Chelsea would be in good hands to move on from JT’s reign, with Manolas eyed as Terry’s long-term replacement.

Join a club ‘on the up’

Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

Having won their last five league meetings in a row, Chelsea are top of the league form table, as well as being just a point behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings.

The deadly duo of Eden Hazard (Pictured) and Diego Costa have fired The Blues to within touching distance of top spot, and with no European commitments this campaign, the club’s aim of winning their sixth top-tier league title is becoming more and more of a reality after each matchday. A far cry from last term’s wretched campaign.

Whereas; when you look at the other potential suitors for Manolas, Jose Mourinho is struggling to turn Manchester United back into title contenders, whilst Arsenal haven’t lifted the Premier League prize since 2004.

Plenty of places for centre-halves

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Antonio Conte has masterminded a change in formation at Stamford Bridge, successfully switching his men to a lethal 3-1-4-2 system, which has paid dividends in their last five league outings.

The Italian’s new formation means there is potential for three centre-halves to star in Chelsea’s backline, meaning Manolas’ possible arrival in January will not see him fear too much about limited game time.

With regular wing-backs Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses featuring further up field, Conte could use Manolas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill as his preferred back three, with Kurt Zouma also an option on his way back from injury, plus Terry in his ranks.