Roma ‘to target’ Sunderland record signing Habib Diarra if Manu Koné departs | OneFootball

Roma are weighing a move for Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra as they consider midfield options before the new season. Gazzetta suggests that any pursuit would hinge on Manu Koné leaving the Stadio Olimpico.

The report also names Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin among the alternatives under review.

No offer has been lodged and there have been no formal talks with Sunderland. With Koné’s future central to their plans, Diarra is viewed as a possible replacement rather than an immediate priority.

Diarra joined from Strasbourg last summer for around £30m, a club-record fee. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, keeping him tied to the Black Cats until 2030.

He is expected to feature prominently for Régis Le Bris this season. Sunderland are not thought to be seeking a sale and would be in a strong position if Roma were to firm up interest.

The midfielder came through Mulhouse and Strasbourg, making his senior Ligue 1 debut in October 2021. He established himself in Strasbourg’s first team before moving to Wearside in July 2025.

Diarra has now returned to training with Sunderland after an extended break following the World Cup.

Source: Sunderland Echo