Manu Kone: Man United take major step in race for AS Roma star – Man United News And Transfer News
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Manchester United have taken an important step towards winning the race for AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone, but face increasing threat from the Saudi Pro League, according to the latest report from Italy.
Agreement in principle
With £85 million already spent on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, Manchester United remain in the hunt for a third midfielder at the request of Michael Carrick.
The departure of Casemiro to MLS side Inter Miami, albeit in somewhat controversial fashion, has been exacerbated by Manuel Ugarte sustaining a serious knee injury at the World Cup with Uruguay. He is likely to miss most, if not all, of next season.
This leaves Kobbie Mainoo as the sole option in the engine room at Old Trafford, though Carrick looks ready to deploy Mason Mount in a deeper role after an impressive cameo in the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham on Saturday.
Kone, 25, has emerged as a priority target over the past month, with his impressive performances for France continuing his fine form for Roma last season. Indeed, Patrick Vieira even went as far as hailing the 25-year-old as the “best midfielder in France”, beating out Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni – a dream target for the Red Devils.
Manu Kone Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 29 | 28 | 2 | 3 | 2 | – | 2,459′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 7 | 5 | – | – | 1 | – | 266′ |
| Italy Cup | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 33′ |
| Total | 37 | 33 | 2 | 3 | 3 | – | 2,758′ |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Roma are understood to be asking for around £50 million for their box-to-box dynamo. A report relayed by The Peoples Person claims INEOS are uncertain whether they have the will or the financial muscle to meet this figure.
However, Corriere dello Sport now reveals United’s hierarchy have “reached an agreement in principle” with Kone’s representatives. It is said “contacts with the player’s entourage are ongoing”, while Roma’s sporting director is awaiting a “decisive move” from his English counterparts.
The Italian newspaper further states United are ready to “put an offer close to €50 million (£42m) on the table.” This “may not be enough”, however, as the Giallorossi are pushing for more.
Other rivals in the race
If Manchester United were alone in their admiration of Kone, Roma’s negotiating position would be much weaker. But talented players, particularly in central midfield who are yet to enter their prime, will always be hot commodities.
Atletico Madrid are one suitor, with the Spanish heavyweights having seen a £34 million offer rejected a couple of weeks ago. Kone is understood to prefer a move to the Premier League over La Liga, but Diego Simeone’s side have “not definitively given up”, Corriere dello Sport reveals.
A host of United’s rivals in England, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, have all been credited with interest in the Frenchman. Nonetheless, the report states the Red Devils are “most likely” to table a bid.
However, the greatest threat now posed to the 20-time league champions comes from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, who are said to have “initiated initial discussions with both Roma and the player’s entourage to assess the deal’s margins and feasibility.”
It is claimed this interest could “soon become something much more concrete” if Kone signals his openness to a switch to the Middle East. A report from Sky Sport Switzerland yesterday indicated his preference remains England, but he would explore offers – which would dwarf any he receives in Europe – from Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
Stylistically, Kone’s combination of speed, size and strength is exactly what Manchester United’s midfield unit lacks. At 25, he is yet to enter his prime, while his transfer fee and wage demands will be cheaper than those of other targets in the Premier League. The fact that the Colombes native has reached an agreement over personal terms amid the embarrassment of riches on offer from the Saudi Pro League also indicates his desire to complete a switch to Old Trafford.
Kone ticks a significant number of INEOS’ boxes this summer, even if a chequered injury history and the recent experiences of signing players from Serie A may give the United hierarchy pause for thought. Should they delay too long, however, then Al-Ahli look ready to strike with the level of certainty only the wealth of a petrostate provides.
Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images
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