Manu Kone: Chelsea take key step in pursuit of Man United target | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone may have taken a complicated turn. The Red Devils endured a slow start to the summer but have picked up the pace in recent days.

With the midfield a priority following Casemiro’s exit, INEOS have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The English giants have also secured the services of Karl Darlow on a free transfer to bolster their goalkeeping department.

While Santos and Tielemans could prove to be shrewd acquisitions and should add quality to the middle of the park, United remain on the hunt for a third midfielder. The Red Devils need more steel and tenacity in midfield and are understandably looking at defensive midfielders.

Several candidates remain linked with the Premier League giants, including Kone, who has impressed for both club and country of late.

Kone’s rise has enticed United

Kone spent his formative years at several clubs before arriving at Toulouse in 2016. He earned his senior debut with the club from southern France, before moving to Borussia Monchengladbach in 2021.

The Frenchman had a mixed time with the German club, suffering several injuries before eventually moving to Roma in the summer of 2024, initially on loan. Kone has taken his performances to a new level with the Giallorossi and is now a key figure in the first team.

Last season, the 25 year old registered two goals and three assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, 33 of which were starts.

Manu Kone Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Kone was also heavily involved with France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting four of the seven games. He came off the bench at the break against Spain in the semi-final on Tuesday, 14 July, but could not save Les Bleus from a 2-0 defeat.

Nevertheless, the player’s stock remains high and United have him on their wish list for the summer. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are already in contact to secure Kone’s services this summer. However, it now appears that they will face stiff competition from a Premier League rival in the race.

Chelsea eyeing Kone

According to Corriere della Sera, as cited by Sport Witness, Chelsea have discussed a move for Kone with AS Roma. The Blues are already locked in talks with the Serie A giants regarding Alejandro Garnacho, who is wanted at the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

The future of Diego Moreira has also come up in the discussions, with the Belgian no longer part of the London giants’ plans. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez remains heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge, prompting Chelsea to consider midfield reinforcements.

The Blues have had their eyes on Kone for a while and have now rekindled their interest. The report adds that the move could cost at least €50 million, and the London giants have already held initial conversations regarding the matter.

With United yet to make a concrete move for Kone, Chelsea could accelerate talks soon and steal a march on their Premier League rivals. The report confirms that Roma are unlikely to entertain possibilities of a straight swap between Garnacho and Kone, and both moves are likely to be independent of each other.

Final Thoughts

Kone would bring steel, stamina and athleticism to United’s midfield, while also complementing Kobbie Mainoo’s strengths. As such, United cannot allow Chelsea to take the lead in the race for the Frenchman.

Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social