Chelsea FC’s next summer transfer target: Kostas Manolas
Chelsea FC’s summer transfer season is already much better than last season’s disaster. After getting back in business with Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante, Chelsea should turn their sights to Kostas Manolas.
Chelsea are making big strides in the summer transfer market. The team needed some alterations as new manager Antonio Conte seeks to bring the Blues back to their usual spot at the top of the table (well, at least Champions League football). Michy Batshuyai from Marseille and N’Golo Kante from Leicester City are significant additions to the squad.
As Conte’s rebuilding vision comes into focus, Chelsea continues to be linked with a variety of players in the market. One of the latest names on the list is Greece and AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas. Although some transfer rumours make little sense, Chelsea should actively pursue Manolas.
Almost all areas of the squad needed reinforcement after last season. In 2014/15, Jose Mourinho made defence the bedrock of a title-winning team. The back line, along with Nemanja Matic’s defensive shield was impregnable at times. In Mourinho’s second season, howeer, the whole system crumbled, no more so tha on defence.
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Mid-table teams cut Chelsea open with relative ease. John Terry is reaching the climax of his career. Branislav Ivanovic has a tendency of going on long unproductive spells. Chelsea desperately need a centre back who can not only fill in when needed but take the charge when Terry hangs his boots. Gary Cahill is one possible successor for John Terry.
Kostas Manolas can both complement and challenge Cahill for that role. He has been one of the best defenders not only for AS Roma but also in the Serie A.
In an era where defenders are prone to playing up the pitch, Kostas Manolas is an old fashioned centre-back who has the ability to produce hard and pin-point tackles. His performances as a traditional defender harkens to the old days when defending was an art form.
Manolas brings a incredibly strong physique and considerable pace. He can establish himself perfectly in the back line at Stamford Bridge, be it a 3-man or a 4-man defence.
If Conte employs a 3-man defence, Manolas will be a brilliant addition to the team. The most likely current Chelsea 3-man defence will consist of Ivanovic-Terry-Cahill. This is a solid and experienced trio but it lacks pace. As the full backs will be up the pitch, Chelsea risks a slow defence that can get caught out if opposing teams attack down the middle and on the wings.
With Kurt Zouma hopefully coming back from injury and Kostas Manolas in the mix, the Chelsea defence will have a good mixture of pace and also can maintain shape. The defence is the only area that is yet to be shored up and Kostas Manolas is the perfect candidate to fill the void.
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The transfer market is still open for over a month and Chelsea may do more business. Alongside Batshuyai and Kante, the addition of Kostas Manolas would sum up a nearly perfect transfer season.