Roma & France Midfielder Flattered By Inter Milan Interest: “Positive, But Deal Didn’t Depend On Me” | OneFootball

Roma star Manu Kone delivered his verdict on intense rumors linking him with a move to Inter Milan in the summer.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera via FCInterNews, the Frenchman admitted the San Siro giants’ interest flattered him.

Indeed, after dropping interest in Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, the Nerazzurri turned their attention toward the skilled midfielder.

However, Roma had no interest of selling the 24-year-old despite their mounting financial issues.

Therefore, Inter had to settle for the signing of Andy Diouf from Lens.

Though Kone failed to join the Nerazzurri in the summer, he reportedly remains on Beppe Marotta’s shortlist.

With Roma forced to offload several players to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, Inter may have a chance to sign Kone in the future.

Meanwhile, the player acknowledged Inter’s summer interest as a positive sign.

Roma Ace Manu Kone Flattered by Inter Milan Interest

EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 9: Manu Kone’ of AS Roma greets the fans after during the Serie A match between Empoli and AS Roma at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 9, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Close to joining Inter in the summer? If a club like Inter shows interest in me, that’s positive for me,” Kone said.

“I talked about it with Gasperini and told him I didn’t know what would happen.

“However, I added, ‘As long as I wear this jersey, I give 100 percent.’

“Some calls with Sommer and Thuram? We joked about it,” the Frenchman added.

“They told me to make the best choice, but it didn’t depend on me.

“I was very happy at Roma. It’s not like I desperately wanted to leave,” he confirmed.

Meanwhile, in 2021, Kone almost joined AC Milan. However, the Rossoneri failed to find an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach.

“I talked with Milan, it’s true,” he admitted. “Massara called me, but for my development it was right to go to Borussia.

“Then here at Roma, I met the same Massara again. The circle closed anyway, right?”