Arsenal are edging closer to signing Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas.
The Daily Mail says Arsene Wenger wants to sign a new defender before the transfer deadline following the departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.
The Gunners' need for defensive cover has heightened following a hamstring injury to Kieran Gibbs that will rule him out for the next three weeks.
Manolas is a strong contender to fill the vacancy left by Vermaelen.
And Arsenal are pushing hard to complete a £6.5million deal by September 1.
The North London club believe Olympiakos will sell their highly-rated defender, who played for Greece during the World Cup.
