Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola's side and Michael Carrick's outfit are both keen to sign Manu Kone this summer. (Source: Getty, Getty)
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has hinted that Liverpool and Manchester United target Manu Kone, who is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for France, could be sold this summer.
Kone, 25, has turned heads with his recent displays for France at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, starting in the wins over Iraq, Norway, Paraguay, and Morocco. He has picked up one yellow card in 341 minutes of action.
And, according to Italian website Corriere dello Sport, both Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing the 18-cap France international. Atletico Madrid recently had a £34 million bid rejected by Roma.
With Kone's stock rising with every FIFA World Cup match, Gasperini was asked to offer his two cents on the right-footed midfielder's situation at Roma. He responded to Rai Radio Uno (h/t Metro):
"I think these Financial Fair Play conditions are never so precise and defined; they vary from team to team. Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years. I hoped that returning to the Champions League would be enough, but it’s clear that financial statements are crucial for clubs. I believe there will be more clarity in the coming weeks."
Kone, who graduated from Toulouse's academy, has impressed for his current club since arriving from Borussia Monchengladbach. He has contributed four goals and six assists in 82 total matches for Roma, helping Gasperini's outfit finish third in the 2025-26 Serie A standings.
Liverpool and Manchester United target focused on 2026 FIFA World Cup amid links
Earlier at the start of June, Manu Kone was quizzed about his future during a chat with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. He replied (h/t Metro):
"Honestly, right now I'm only thinking about the World Cup. It's my first major international competition, a tournament I've always dreamed of playing in. I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We'll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens."
Should the Roma midfielder choose to join Liverpool, he could prove to be a stellar signing for them. He would likely fill the void left by Curtis Jones' potential depature to Serie A champions Inter Milan in the near future.
Kone, who is allegedly valued at around £51 million, would pop up as a key starter for Manchester United in the upcoming season. He could form a good partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in the team's 4-2-3-1 system.