European Giants May Be Behind Kostas Manolas’ Stunt To Refuse Zenit
REUTERS/Tony Gentile
Roma star Kostas Manolas, who was reportedly on the verge of heading to Russian giants FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, now appears to have pulled off a stunt that has enraged his current employers. The defender has put his transfer into serious doubt after failing to attend a medical with the club.
The 26-year-old’s medical was scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Rome, but Manolas never showed up. And now, according to several reports in Italy, further talks between the two sides have been put on hold, with Zenit close to pulling out from the deal.
Sky Sports had reported earlier that the reason behind Manolas’ action was his demand to be paid in Euros rather than Rubles. The former Olympiakos man was set for a £30 million move to Roberto Mancini’s side, but is concerned about the unstable Russian currency.
However, a new twist in the story came in when Il Messaggero reported that Manchester United or Bayern Munich could be behind the player’s refusal to have his medical with Zenit.
Both European heavyweights are keen to sign the Greek defender. Chelsea were long time admirers of the Roma star as well, but the Blues are now pursuing Bayern’s star defender Jerome Boateng instead.
Arsenal, who have had the Greece international on their radar for quite some time too, will be monitoring the situation closely, as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his defensive options.
Written by Sidharth Jindal 
Sports fanatic with a passion for writing (predominantly football) and “Wants to live life to its fullest.” Writes about the Premier League on his personal blog.