Manchester United are preparing an onslaught for Manu Kone, but so are Chelsea, who have an important card to play in Alejandro Garnacho.
The Red Devils have already brought in two new midfielders in Andrey Santos, who was bought from Chelsea on a £50 million deal, and Youri Tielemans, after triggering his £35 million release clause in his Aston Villa contract.
Nevertheless, all sources agree that Man Utd are still in the market for one more midfielder, with Kone emerging as the top target, especially following his World Cup exploits.
Chelsea could use Garnacho to beat Man Utd for Manu Kone
In his first press conference of the season, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted that the club could be forced to sell one of their most prized assets to balance the books and avoid any FFP repercussions ahead of their Champions League return.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kone’s current book value at Roma is €11 million, and the Italians could be willing to sell him for €55 million (roughly £47 million), thus generating a €44 million capital gain.
The pink newspaper insists that Man Utd are the Frenchman’s keenest admirers, but warns them about competition from Chelsea.
As the source notes, the Blues could tempt Roma by offering the services of Garnacho, who has been increasingly linked with the Giallorossi. The West Londoners could also add 21-year-old Diego Moreira (currently at Strasbourg) to the package.
Would Garnacho turn the tide in Chelsea’s favour?
Due to the demeanour that accompanied his departure last summer, Garnacho became a widely unpopular figure among Man Utd supporters. Therefore, the Argentine helping Chelsea pip MUFC for Kone would be a curious turn of events.
The 22-year-old endured a miserable first season at Stamford Bridge, and he appears to be outside of Xabi Alonso’s plans for the new campaign.
But while Roma appear to be interested in the winger, their priority is to register the highest possible capital gain from Kone’s sale.
Therefore, if Man Utd were to present to the Italian capital side with a satisfying offer, they should be able to close the deal, especially with the player apparently open to joining them.
Kone could prefer the Red Devils over the Blues, as a move to Old Trafford would guarantee him Champions League football next season.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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