Arsenal have a ‘concrete interest’ in signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, according to Italian publication Il Tempo (page 29).
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a versatile midfielder, and they have been linked with numerous names, including Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali.
Il Tempo today claim that the Giallorossi could sell Kone despite qualifying for the Champions League. The club need to recoup funds by June 30 to balance their books.
Arsenal are one of the clubs showing ‘concrete interest’ in the Frenchman, while Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace.
Kone would be a good signing for Arsenal
The Gunners currently have sufficient depth in the heart of their midfield, but there is a genuine possibility that Christian Norgaard could depart in the coming weeks.
The Dane was ever-present as Brentford’s captain during the 2024/25 campaign, but managed just less than 200 minutes of Premier League action for the Gunners last season.
Manager Mikel Arteta clearly does not trust him enough, and an upgrade could be pursued. Kone would be a fine acquisition, given that he is in the prime of his career at just 25.
The Frenchman completed 90 percent of his passes in Serie A last term. He also won five duels and two tackles per league appearance for the Giallorossi, while making four recoveries.
Kone has likewise impressed with his control and tireless work rate. The big question remains whether he would accept a rotational role to make the switch to north London this summer.
At Inter or Atletico, he could be assured more playing time than at Arsenal. However, the Gunners remain a lucrative destination and should be able to persuade the midfielder to join them.
Arsenal could take advantage of Roma’s precarious financial situation. A deal of around £40m, including add-ons for the midfielder, would represent good business for the Gunners.
Stats from Sofascore.com