Arsenal have failed in their attempts to sign Kostas Manolas, after the defender, who was meant to be Thomas Vermaelen’s replacement at the club, signed a permanent contract with Italian giants AS Roma, according to Metro.

The Gunners are struggling to keep up with transfer targets, and their transfer policy does not allow spending over the top on excessive contracts. Fans are excited about the talent new signing Alexis Sanchez offers, and the Chilean has been settling into life at the Emirates Stadium.

Vermaelen had a frustrating spell at the club, after being an irregular part of the starting eleven throughout the latter part of his time in North London. Even when he did get a run in the side, he was forced to play out of position due to an injury crisis in the defensive department.

Manolas began his career as a youth play for Greek side Thrasyvoulous in 2005 and trained with the side for four seasons before signing for the senior squad and representing the side on 9 occasions. He was then spotted by Greek giants AEK Athens, and they signed him in 2009 on a three-year contract. After playing 66 matches for the club, he was courted by Olympiakos, and he left on a free transfer signing with Olympiacos, spending two seasons at the club. Arsenal were linked with a move, but Roma have won the battle, signing the central defender permanently.