After having long targeted Aurélien Tchouaméni to strengthen their midfield, Manchester United had to review their plans. While the Frenchman seemed to be a priority for the Red Devils, the Real Madrid midfielder finally chose to continue his adventure in the Spanish capital, with a new contract which should bind him to the Merengue until 2031. A file closed for the English club, which quickly turned to another French prospect: Manu Koné. Author of a remarkable 2026 World Cup with the France team, the AS Roma midfielder has now become an important target in the Mancunian transfer window.
The need is real at Manchester United. After the free departure of Casemiro, despite a particularly successful last season on an individual level, the Red Devils are looking to renew their midfield and bring more power, impact and projection in this sector. Led by Michael Carrick, the English club has already started to reshape its environment with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but still wishes to add a profile capable of bringing into duels in the Premier League. And the name of Manu Koné now appears as one of the most serious options studied by the Mancunian management according to the Corriere dello Sport.
Manu Koné should leave Rome
On the side of AS Roma, the economic situation could also accelerate discussions. Asked recently about the future of his player, Gian Piero Gasperini did not close the door to the Frenchman’s departure, recalling that financial constraints weigh heavily on the clubs. “The rules of financial fair play are never as precise and defined, they vary from one club to another. But Roma must also clean up its accounts, which have been heavy in recent years. I hoped that the return to the Champions League would be enough, but it is clear that finances are fundamental for the clubs”explained the Italian coach. A statement which confirms that, despite its sporting importance, Koné could represent a major financial opportunity for the Giallorossi.
Because the former Toulouse and Borussia Mönchengladbach player is coming out of a World Cup which has considerably strengthened his value. Arriving with the status of understudy behind the Adrien Rabiot-Aurélien Tchouaméni pair, Manu Koné took advantage of the circumstances to gradually establish himself in Didier Deschamps’ group. Its solid performances in the competition confirmed its change of dimension internally. A progression that Gasperini also highlighted: “Last year, he was not yet playing with the France team and he was able to earn his starting place, which demonstrates his full value. » Manchester United are therefore following a player at the height of their confidence, but will have to convince a Roma aware of the new rating of their midfielder.
La Louve shows herself to be ambitious
The question of price will obviously be at the center of the negotiations. Still according to the Italian media, AS Roma has no intention of selling off its player and now hopes to recover a sum significantly higher than the amounts mentioned a few months ago. While a transfer of around 35 million euros had been mentioned this winter, notably with the interest of Inter Milan, the situation evolved after the World Cup. An offer of 40 million euros from Atlético de Madrid would even have been rejected, with Roma now waiting between 50 and 60 million euros to accept a departure.
For the Roman club, a sale of Manu Koné would enable a considerable financial transaction. Arriving in the Italian capital with a book value much lower than its current price, his transfer could generate a capital gain of more than 40 million euros and offer significant room for maneuver to management. Manchester United are not alone, however, as Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on the matter. The series should therefore only really begin after the end of the World Cup, but one thing is already certain: Manu Koné has become one of the most coveted midfielders in this summer transfer window. To be continued…
