{"id":18345,"date":"2026-07-17T22:29:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T22:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=18345"},"modified":"2026-07-17T22:29:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T22:29:30","slug":"manu-kone-transfer-takes-twist-as-chelsea-open-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=18345","title":{"rendered":"Manu Kone transfer takes twist as Chelsea open talks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-main\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-header--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"post-excerpt left\"><\/p>\n<p>Chelsea have made contact with Roma over Manu Kone, threatening Manchester United\u2019s midfield pursuit this summer.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"post-feat-img\" class=\"left relative\" itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-43.webp\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Chelsea\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-43.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-43-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-43-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-43.webp\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1200\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"675\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--post-feat-img--><\/p>\n<section class=\"social-sharing-top\">\n<p><span class=\"fb-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-facebook-f\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"window.open('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Manu Kone transfer takes twist as Chelsea open talks -&amp;url=https:\/\/sixsports.in\/manu-kone-transfer-takes-twist-as-chelsea-open-talks\/', 'twitterShare', 'width=626,height=436'); return false;\" title=\"Share This Post\"><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"twitter-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"whatsapp-but1\"><i class=\"fa fa-whatsapp fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"pinterest-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-pinterest-p\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"email-but\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Email<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><!--social-sharing-top--><\/p>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-card\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-top\">\n<div class=\"sx-entity-logo\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/chelsea_fc_logo-1.avif\" alt=\"CHELSEA\"\/>\n            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"sx-entity-description\">\n<p>            Chelsea is one of England\u2019s premier football clubs, competing in the Premier League and European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League. Known for its strong squad, tactical versatility, and competitive history, Chelsea has won multiple league titles, domestic cups,\u2026            <a class=\"sx-entity-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/team\/chelsea\/\"><br \/>\n                Read More about CHELSEA\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea have opened talks for Manu Kone, according to the latest transfer news. This puts Manchester United\u2019s move under pressure. The Roma star impressed for France at the World Cup. He has become one of the central figures in this summer\u2019s transfer market.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-manu-kone-talks-open-as-chelsea-enter-race\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manu Kone Talks Open As Chelsea Enter Race<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea\u2019s interest has now turned into direct conversations, with early-stage contact already made over Manu Kone. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> Metro, the France midfielder is now firmly on their radar. The talks came up during separate talks with Roma over Alejandro Garnacho. He looks likely to leave the <strong>Blues<\/strong> soon. Garnacho joined from Old Trafford last year. But he has struggled to win over Alonso. His exit could help fund new signings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As reported by the<\/strong> Metro, Chelsea made their interest clear during the Garnacho talks. Insiders call the discussions early but real. Reports suggest Roma have set their asking price near \u00a351million for the midfielder.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 25-year-old shone for France at the World Cup. He played in five matches before their exit to Spain in the semi-final. That form has sharpened interest from clubs across <strong>football<\/strong>. So, pressure from west London has grown. Chelsea seem eager to move fast before United can react.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manu Kone for Roma in 2025\/26<\/strong>as per FOTMOB:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Competitions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Matches<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Assists<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Defensive Contributions<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Serie A<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>29<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>98<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Italian Cup<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Europa League<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-manchester-united-push-for-third-midfielder\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manchester United Push For Third Midfielder<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Midfield has become the priority area for Manchester United this summer. Casemiro left on emotional terms, and Ugarte then suffered a serious knee problem, leaving a clear gap to fill. Two midfield deals are already done under Carrick, with Santos arriving from Chelsea and Tielemans joining from Aston Villa, <strong>as reported by the<\/strong> Metro. A third name is still needed to complete the rebuild. Arsenal also showed early interest, but that has since cooled off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As reported by<\/strong> TEAMtalk, United\u2019s camp reached out to people close to Kone just days ago, hoping to get ahead in the race. They see him as the right fit: fast, strong, and ready for the <strong>Premier League<\/strong>. That said, this interest is far from a done deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The competition adds real pressure on Carrick\u2019s side. <strong>As reported by<\/strong> FootballTransfers, they have faced setbacks elsewhere this summer, including a failed move for Ederson. So, missing out on a player they scouted early would sting. For a club still rebuilding its squad, the margin for error remains limited this summer. Supporters have also grown impatient, hoping to avoid another disappointing transfer window.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52-768x432.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52.webp\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Chelsea-52-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-manu-kone-decision-looms-amid-alonso-rebuild\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manu Kone Decision Looms Amid Alonso Rebuild<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xabi Alonso used his first Chelsea press call to lay out his plans. Strengthening the midfield sits high on that list. The Blues finished a poor 10th in the Premier League last season. So fans want sharper transfer business this time. <strong><em>\u201cChelsea is one of the biggest clubs, and I am looking forward to having success here,\u201d<\/em><\/strong>  Alonso said, <strong>as reported by the<\/strong> Metro.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enzo Fernandez still wants to leave west London. Real Madrid are said to be his top choice. That gap may push Alonso to move quickly. And a player with Kone\u2019s skill set would add real balance in midfield. Losing Fernandez would only raise the urgency to bring in fresh legs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given his World Cup form, reports suggest Chelsea are prepared to push hard to seal a deal. United, meanwhile, cannot afford to react too late. The coming weeks should settle where the France star lands, in what has turned into a wide-open race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <strong><em>Alejandro Garnacho: Roma table \u20ac38m bid to Chelsea<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <strong><em>Dusan Vlahovic tops Chelsea striker shortlist<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <strong><em>Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Enzo Fernandez future<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"after-article-links\" style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:14px;\">Follow the latest updates from <strong>Premier League<\/strong>, <strong>The League<\/strong> and<br \/>\n        <strong>Champions League<\/strong>or explore more<br \/>\n        <strong>Football<\/strong> stories, <strong>Football Teams<\/strong> &#038; <strong>All Football Competitions<\/strong> . Follow more updates on CHELSEA and MANCHESTER UNITED. You can also check <strong>Latest Sports News<\/strong> or visit <strong>Six Sports<\/strong> for more Football updates.<\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-box\">\n<div class=\"fe-author-avatar\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ffe9f843f387ba0534380c0ff06ab28dd5e7f2371bbe3d356d549067f6389aaa?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\"\/>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mvp-org-wrap\" itemprop=\"publisher\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Organization\">\n<div class=\"mvp-org-logo\" itemprop=\"logo\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png.webp\" class=\"ewww_webp_lazy_load\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/sixsports.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Six-Sports.png\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-logo--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Six Sports\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-wrap--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--posts-nav-link--><\/p>\n<div class=\"mentioned-article-block\">\n<h3 class=\"mentioned-title\">Mentioned in this Article<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-button--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chelsea have made contact with Roma over Manu Kone, threatening Manchester United\u2019s midfield pursuit this&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18345"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18345\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}