Manu Kone has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal this summer with both teams keen to strengthen their midfields ahead of the new season in August
17:16, 12 Jul 2026Updated 17:17, 12 Jul 2026
Manchester United continue to be linked with Manu Kone (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Roma are reportedly demanding €55million (£47m) for Manchester United and Arsenal-linked Manu Kone this summer. The Reds are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements after the departure of Casemiro, and with Manuel Ugarte facing an extended period out through injury.
It means that, with Kobbie Mainoo still at the World Cup with England, United could open their pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, on July 18, with Mason Mount as the only recognised senior midfielder in Michael Carrick’s squad. The Reds are at least edging closer to a £48m deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
But a move for Atalanta’s Ederson has still not been completed despite a £38m fee being agreed with the Serie A side in early June. The 27-year-old has been eager to join the Reds and hinted during the World Cup that the move was all-but confirmed.
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However, multiple reports on Friday evening claimed that the Brazil international will not be heading to Old Trafford after failing a medical. The Manchester Evening News understands that the club do not consider the move to be off.
Doubts over Ederson’s move have only fuelled speculation over links with other midfielders – including Kone. Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico is said to be currently managing a complex transfer strategy that relies heavily on capital gains to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
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And Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claim that the Giallorossi’s stance on Kone remains firm, with €55m (£47m) set as the absolute minimum asking price for their star midfielder. The report adds that even an offer of €50m (£42.5m) would not be enough.
It follows reports in mid-June that Arsenal agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old. According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, the Gunners held talks with Kone’s representatives and agreed personal terms over a move for the Frenchman after the World Cup.
Kone has been excellent for France(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
France will play Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening (8pm BST), with more clarity over his future likely after the tournament in North America, which ends on July 19. La Liga side Atletico Madrid and Italian giants Inter Milan have also shown interest in the former Borussia Monchengladbach star.
United’s search for new midfielders have been plagued with issues so far this summer. The Reds’ hopes of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest faded when it became apparent it would cost in excess of £110m – a fee the club were unwilling to match.
United then turned their attention to West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but the Portuguese joined Tottenham Hotspur instead after the north London outfit offered a guaranteed £85m.
Carrick will be hoping for new additions before the Reds’ pre-season friendlies this summer. United face Wrexham, Rosenberg in Trondheim, Norway and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, between July 18 and August 1st.
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