Roma ‘to target’ Habib Diarra if Manu Koné leaves | OneFootball

Habib Diarra has reportedly emerged as a possible Roma target as the Serie A side assess midfield options before the new season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Diarra is on a shortlist that would be activated only if Manu Koné leaves the Stadio Olimpico, with Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin also under consideration.

No bid or formal talks are indicated at this stage. Any pursuit appears contingent on Koné’s departure, with Diarra seen as a replacement rather than an immediate priority.

Diarra joined Sunderland from Strasbourg last summer for around £30 million, a club-record fee. The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal running to 2030.

He is expected to play a significant role under Régis Le Bris this season. Sunderland are not believed to be seeking a sale and would hold a strong negotiating position should Roma firm up interest.

The midfielder came through Mulhouse and Strasbourg’s academies and made his Ligue 1 debut in October 2021 before establishing himself in Strasbourg’s first team. He has returned to training on Wearside after an extended break following the World Cup.

Source: Sunderland Echo