Chelsea Told They Could Sign “The Perfect Replacement” For Enzo Fernandez
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Ex-Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has encouraged his former club to make a move for Roma star Manu Kone.
Speaking to MetroJohnson said that the 25-year-old would be the “perfect replacement” for Enzo Fernandez:
“He has been excellent for France. A top midfielder, strong, physical, can use the ball well, pick a pass well; he is a top player, and to get into the French midfield you must be a good player.”
“If Enzo leaves, he can be the perfect replacement for sure. His attributes seem to be suited to the Premier League, so I don’t think he will have any issues getting used to the game at all.”
Kone is on the market this summer
Xabi Alonso’s side have been tentatively linked with the France international in the Italian press, but the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and even Liverpool have been mentioned more frequently as suitors.
Roma are open to offloading Kone. The Giallorossi’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted earlier this month that they could be forced into a sale to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. The Serie A side are in danger of breaking a settlement agreement that was reached after a previous breach of regulations. The player could be available for €60m (£51m).
Get a brand new Chelsea 26/27 home Aero-FIT shirt from Fanatics here
Chelsea are pursuing another midfielder
At the moment, it looks like Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is the primary target to reinforce the Blues’ options in the middle of the park.
A £64m bid for the 22-year-old has already been rejected, but Xabi Alonso’s side have been given some encouragement in their pursuit, with the player thought to be keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Scott would cost considerably more than Kone, with Bournemouth expected to hold out for a fee in the region of £80m.
