Manchester United have made the first move in the battle for Roma’s Manu Kone, opening formal talks for the France midfielder valued at £51m, according to L’Equipe. The 25-year-old, who impressed at the World Cup and earned praise from Patrick Vieira as “the best midfielder in France”, is also wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool. But United’s early action has given them an edge.
The Red Devils have already spent £85m on Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer, yet still see midfield as a priority. Kone would push their outlay past £100m and become their first signing from outside the Premier League. Roma, who qualified for the Champions League, need to sell players, and Kone is seen as the most likely to command a major fee.
“Man Utd open formal talks with Roma for France midfielder Manu Kone, valued at £51m, edging ahead of Arsenal in the transfer race.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, are juggling multiple targets. They have revived interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, whose £77m release clause is well known, and remain linked with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. West Ham have rejected a second Roma bid for Crysencio Summerville – the first was £39m – and Aston Villa are now weighing up a move for the Dutch forward as they brace for Morgan Rogers’ departure to Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have scheduled a meeting with Ferran Torres to clarify his plans amid PSG interest; Ipswich have agreed an £8.5m deal for Fulham’s Issa Diop; and both Newcastle and Leeds are monitoring FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju, priced above £21m. AC Milan have set their sights on Genk teenager Konstantinos Karetsas but may have to sell Rafael Leao to fund the move.
With the transfer window in full swing, the Kone saga could define United’s summer – but Arsenal remain a potent threat, and the race is far from over.