Arsene Wenger seems to have found a great low-budget option to replace Vermaelen but also to develop into a viable solution for a spot in Arsenal’s starting line-up. Olympiacos’s Kostas Manolas has made it to the top of the acquisition list which includes many other important names such as Mats Hummels and Daniel Agger. According to Metro, the two are now Wenger’s second and third choice, with the Greek international leading by a mile. There are many reasons for which the Frenchman is so keen on signing Manolas. Not much has been known up until a few days back when transfer rumors made the news.

Apparently, Manolas is one of the most promising defenders in Europe. He caught the eye of pundits earlier this summer when he made the top 50 most valuable World Cup players list. The 23 year old showed great composure and performed like he had years of experience backing him up. Saying he is experienced at such a young age is not that big of a stretch, if you consider he has already made 165 appearances for his club teams and scored 12 goals in the 5 years since he made his professional debut. Manolas is not lacking in trophies either, managing to win 4 major domestic competitions. It appears that his talent runs in the family and that he has picked up some of the qualities Stelios Manolas had. The 23 year old is the Greek legend’s nephew and looks like the perfect candidate to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.