its kind of funny but couldn't find a thread on this guy. He was reportedly said to have been close to signing for Zenit St Petersburg and Roberto Manicini. Appparently, Mancini just became their manager June 1st. Rumour has it that he turned down their wages and Chelsea called him. Isn't he an upgrade on Cahill, Virgil or whoever we wanted before. Bonucci, I'm not sure we can buy. So, why not go for him. Mancini was said to have being fuming that Zenit didn't sign him, please sign this guy.

Manolas got discussion last season ahead of Luiz being signed but Roma wouldn't sell even if we were serious.

 

He is right footed and reasonably pacy so could maybe provide backup to moses as well as a central role. Quite good on the ball from what I saw last season but not particularly strong (as it seems from the tv screen)

 

It looks like Ake is going to be sold and zouma going on loan so I see the need for another defender. However who would he replace in the starting 11?

 

Cahill is said to be questionable but I think he has contes trust, Luiz and dave are rusted on. Luiz maybe a bit injury prone but you can't buy a top class back on that basis.

 

I see this transfer as a sort of bridging the gap for when Luiz and Cahill retire. Arguably they have 2-3yrs left at Prem level with a max of 5yrs if they decide to be benchwarmers.

I see him as cover and remembering that Luiz was carrying an injury second half of last season suggests it might be a wise move.