Impressive Koné boosts France profile and Arsenal interest for Roma | OneFootball

With reports of Arsenal interest, Roma midfielder Manu Koné is increasing his transfer value with France at the World Cup, breaking into the starting XI.

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old had already been the subject of a strong push on the market from Inter, both last summer and again in January, but the Giallorossi held firm.

Now his value is set to sky-rocket above the current €50m, because reports in France note that he has really impressed for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.

Koné raising profile at World Cup

SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

It’s rumoured he is set to get his second consecutive start in midfield for this evening’s group game against Norway, which is a head-to-head for top spot.

This is a sign of the confidence that coach Didier Deschamps and his staff have for Koné, who has pushed his way past Aurelien Tchaouameni to start.

It is hardly new, as he started four of the six qualifying matches for the tournament too, and has impressed with his work-rate, positioning and ability to handle pressure.

Roma are hoping to keep hold of Koné after qualifying for the Champions League, but are also well aware of the strong interest from Arsenal, which would certainly tempt the player.

They paid €18m to sign him from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024, so a sale for over €50m would bring a significant profit.