Chelsea have reportedly told AS Roma that they will exercise Kostas Manolas’ €38 million release clause this summer.
Sportitalia, as cited on Football Italia, claim that the Blues have held a meeting with Roma to inform them of their intentions.
Manolas has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as an alternative target to Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
Incoming Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is said to be keen to land Rugani, but the Blues are putting plans in place in case they need to look elsewhere.
Manolas has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. He came very close to making the move to England last summer but opted to stay at Roma.
Chelsea and Sarri are clearly looking to improve Chelsea’s defence this summer. The Blues conceded 38 goals last season, the joint-highest with Liverpool of any team inside the top five.
