Chelsea make contact to sign AS Roma ace, player has €38M release clause

• Chelsea interested in signing AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas.
• Manolas is considered as a cheaper alternative to Kalidou Koulibaly.
• READ MORE: Chelsea ‘very close’ to appointing new manager

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing AS Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas. The Greek international is considered a cheaper alternative to Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.

It seems logical that Koulibaly would be Maurizio Sarri’s first-choice in terms of defensive reinforcements. He worked alongside the Senegalese during his time at Napoli. Sarri will be familiar with his strengths and weaknesses and know how to get the best out of him.

However, signing Koulibaly would take a large chunk of Sarri’s transfer budget. The club appear to be considering cheaper options, one of which is AS Roma’s Manolas.

Chelsea signed Manolas’ defensive partner Antonio Rudiger last summer, and we could be set to return to the Stadio Olimpico once again.

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Chelsea are ‘strongly interested’ in signing Manolas this summer. There has already been contact between the Blues and the player’s entourage. His release clause stands at €38M. Let’s see what happens.