Midfield Reinforcement Efforts
Manchester United are reportedly pursuing Manu Kone, a midfielder currently with Roma, as they look to strengthen their squad. The club is seeking to bolster its midfield options ahead of the upcoming season, with several potential targets being considered.
Reports suggest that Roma has set a minimum asking price for Kone, indicating a firm stance on his valuation. This comes as Manchester United continues its search for midfield additions, following the departure of Casemiro and an injury to Manuel Ugarte.
The club’s pre-season campaign is set to begin with a match against Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, on July 18. At that time, Mason Mount may be the primary senior midfielder available, as Kobbie Mainoo is still participating in the World Cup with England.
Transfer Market Activity
Manchester United has been active in the transfer market, with agreements reportedly in place for two midfielders. These include Ederson from Atalanta and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, with the combined fees for these transfers understood to be around £85 million. However, the move for Ederson has faced complications, with reports on Friday evening suggesting a failed medical, though the club reportedly does not consider the deal off.
The potential acquisition of Kone has gained traction, especially with his reported interest in playing in the Premier League. Intermediaries have reportedly engaged with several prominent clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool, to gauge interest in the player.
Kone, who can operate as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role, made 37 appearances for Roma last season, contributing two goals and three assists. His performances in the World Cup for France have further highlighted his athleticism and technical abilities, attracting attention from across Europe.
Competition and Financial Considerations
Roma‘s willingness to consider a sale for Kone is reportedly influenced by the need to meet UEFA‘s financial regulations, despite having secured Champions League football. Kone is viewed internally as a valuable asset for generating capital gains.
Sources indicate that the French midfielder could be available for a fee in the region of £50 million. This valuation would represent a significant return on investment for Roma, who acquired Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024.
Previously, Arsenal reportedly agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old in mid-June, following discussions with his representatives. France is scheduled to play Spain in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Tuesday evening, with further clarity on Kone‘s future expected after the tournament concludes on July 19.
Other clubs, including La Liga side Atletico Madrid and Italian club Inter Milan, have also shown interest in Kone. Manchester United‘s pursuit of midfielders has seen them explore various options, including Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, before those deals did not materialize.
The club also considered Aurelien Tchouameni, but Real Madrid reportedly intends to retain the midfielder and offer him a new deal. Michael Carrick will be looking for new additions before the club’s pre-season friendlies, which include matches against Rosenberg in Trondheim, Norway, and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, between July 18 and August 1.
Read Also
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
You may also like
Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”