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Posted on June 17, 2026 4:00 pm | Updated on June 17, 2026 10:28 am Arsenal agree personal terms with Roma midfielder Manu Kone.
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Premier League champions Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Manu Kone, and Roma’s UEFA Financial Fair Play deadline is now the only real obstacle standing between the 25-year-old and a summer move to north London, according to the latest transfer news from Italy.
Arsenal move ahead of the pack in race for Manu Kone
As reported by Goal, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Kone’s representatives. The 25-year-old had PSG at the top of his list, but the French champions stalled without ever making a formal approach, and the Gunners were quick to capitalise, moving in to secure an agreement with the player’s camp.
Over the past two seasons, Kone has built a strong reputation as one of Serie A’s most dependable midfielders, with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan all registering serious interest this summer. As reported by CAUGHTOFFSIDE, Roma had set their asking price at around €50 million, but the club’s Financial Fair Play deadline of June 30 is forcing their hand, and a fee closer to €40 million is now seen as realistic by those close to the deal. Kone also rejected a direct approach from Atletico Madrid during this period, leaving little doubt about his destination.
Manu Kone’s stats for Roma this season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Tackles Interceptions Duels Won%
Serie A 29 2 3 49 18 50%
Europa League 7 0 0 3 5 35%
Kone’s numbers become even more impressive when you consider he missed significant spells this season with thigh and hamstring injuries, yet still managed to put together one of the more complete midfield campaigns in Serie A this season.
Why Kone is the midfielder Arteta has been looking for?
Mikel Arteta has long wanted a midfielder who complements Declan Rice rather than mirrors him, and Kone fits that brief well. Rice carried much of Arsenal’s defensive midfield workload last season, and Arteta needs someone beside him who can share that load while also pushing play forward with purpose.
Kone offers a clear contrast to Martin Zubimendi, whose measured style has at times looked out of step with the tempo and intensity that Arsenal’s brand of football demands. While Zubimendi tends to slow the tempo, Kone drives it forward, and his 4.3 progressive carries per 90 minutes in Serie A, last season backs that up with hard numbers.
As per FOTMOB, Declan Rice averaged 3.1 progressive carries per 90 in the Premier League last season, which puts Kone’s 4.3 in clear perspective and shows just how much more drive and urgency he would add in that central area.
World Cup spotlight adds urgency to the deal
As reported by ESPN, Kone is currently with France at the 2026 World Cup, where Les Bleus open their campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey. Every prominent display he puts in from here could push his market value higher, so Arsenal have a clear incentive to get this deal wrapped up before the tournament starts working against them.
Deschamps has named Kone in his starting plans for the tournament, a selection that reflects how highly the France manager rates him and one that will only drive his price up if he delivers on that stage.
As reported by Goal, Kone’s representatives want terms finalised before Roma’s June 30 deadline, and with all parties pointing in the same direction, Arsenal now need to move with purpose. Sign him, and Arteta finally has the engine alongside Rice that this squad has been missing for two seasons.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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