The idea of Kostas Manolas being a target for Chelsea is something that has circulated for the past week or so in the Italian press, and we’ve even covered one or two aspects of it.
The general consensus was that the Greek centre-back was a target in case Maurizio Sarri did replace Antonio Conte, but until that happened, there was never going to be any movement.
On Thursday, Il Messaggero explain exactly where the rumour started, and it isn’t exactly the ideal source to make it a concrete story just yet.
The Italian newspaper state Chelsea’s interest in Manolas was brought to the table by one of the intermediaries dealing with the exit of Alisson Becker from the Serie A side.
When this happens, it tends to be someone trying to kickstart something that isn’t there, perhaps in hope Roma would take the bait and contact the Blues about it, therefore starting a conversation.
Either way, Chelsea’s interest in the 28-year-old doesn’t appear to be official just yet.
Just an intermediary looking for a way to make a bit more money.
