Arsenal are set to shore up their defence by bringing in Roma centre back Kostas Manolas this summer.

The Gunners can activate his £31million release clause, which will bring his five-year spell with the Giallorossi to an end.

According to Italian news outlet II Messaggero, the 27-year-old will be allowed to leave the Serie A side in a cut-price deal should they fail to secure a top-four spot come the end of May.

Arsenal are preparing to trigger Roma defender Kostas Manolas' £31million release clause

Gunners boss Unai Emery is keen to shore up his side's leaky defence this summer

Manolas is under contract with Roma until 2022 and Manchester United displayed interest in him earlier this season.

He is currently out of action due to a sprained ankle but has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season.

Gunners boss Unai Emery is keen to bolster his back-line after they conceded 51 goals in the Premier League alone this season.

Manolas (left) has made 206 appearances for the Giallorossi since making the move in 2014

Leicester, Everton and Wolves have all conceded fewer goals than the north London side.

Manolas has made 206 appearances for Roma since making the move there from Olympiacos in 2014.

Arsenal are also looking to offload several first-team players with Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan among the names who could leave the Emirates this summer.