Chelsea to lose out on Kostas Manolas?

Chelsea are likely to face a transfer blow in the pursuit of Greek defender Kostas Manolas with AS Roma having already opened a dialogue regarding a new long-term contract.

The 27-year-old has been with the Giallorossi for the past four-and-a-half seasons and during this period, he has racked nearly 185 appearances for the club across all competitions.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian giants are making steps towards extending his contract beyond 2022 amid interest from Juventus, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

It is added that the Greek would receive a pay rise with the renewal while the club are also seeking to eliminate the £31.5m release clause written into his existing deal.

Arsenal were also interested in the central defender during the last winter transfer window but a deal failed to materialise with Roma reluctant to accept anything less than the player's escape clause which the Gunners were unwilling to trigger.