- Chelsea target and Roma defender Manolas signs new contract
- Greek international extends stay until 2022
- Reports claim a £32.5m release clause could be part of the new deal
- READ MORE: Chelsea will snub Real Madrid transfer on one condition, says Blues hero
Chelsea have suffered a transfer setback after it was officially confirmed on Saturday that reported target Kostas Manolas signed a new contract with Roma.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key figure for the Giallorossi since arriving from Olympiacos in 2014, making 143 appearances for the Serie A giants as he has been a key figure in keeping them in the top three.
However, as noted by The Sun, Chelsea had held an interest in prising him away from the Stadio Olimpico and taking him to west London, while the report also notes that Arsenal previously were keen too.
It’s suggested in that report that Manolas could have a £32.5m release clause inserted in his new contract, but no such clause has been mentioned as Roma made the news official on Saturday with the tweet below.
The Greek international has committed himself to the club until 2022, and so it will certainly make life difficult for any interested party to prise him away now.
Nevertheless, with a history of cashing in on their top players to maintain a positive financial position, with the sales of Mohamed Salah, Antonio Rudiger and Erik Lamela just a few recent examples, the threat of losing more big names could remain moving forward.
Manolas is now under a lengthy contract, and that would surely strengthen Roma’s position next summer if the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal do revisit their interest.
Having signed Rudiger last summer, it seems to make less sense for Chelsea, although with David Luiz and Gary Cahill on the wrong side of 30, perhaps they need longer-term options and Manolas would fit the bill for Conte having consistently played at a high level to boast plenty of experience at just 26.
NEW CONTRACT | ? | All the details as Kostas Manolas signs a three-year contract extension with the Giallorossi…
?? https://t.co/OnjpLd8vLU pic.twitter.com/tLarACaLQs
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) December 2, 2017