Manchester United have had a productive transfer window with three signings.
The Red Devils have already recruited Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to strengthen their midfield, while adding another goalkeeper in Karl Darlow.
They are planning to land a third midfielder to compensate for Manuel Ugarte’s injury, and L’Equipe claim that Roma star Manu Kone is the priority target.
Arsenal are also admirers of the Frenchman, but United clearly have the ‘upper hand’ in the pursuit and have started initial discussions with the Giallorossi.
However, the Red Devils have not yet reached the ‘decisive stage’. They are prepared to take time to analyse potential deals and want to avoid overpaying.
Kone has already opened the door to join United and would like to decide his future soon. For now, L’Equipe claim that his wish may or may not be granted.
United should pursue a quick deal for Kone
The Red Devils have been proactive in the transfer market this summer. They secured a quick agreement with Chelsea out of the blue to land Andrey Santos for £50m.
United replicated the feat to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The club were fast to trigger the £35 million release clause in his contract to avoid competition.
We believe the hierarchy should continue the trend with a deal for Kone, who had a fabulous World Cup with Les Blues following a productive Serie A campaign.
Kone had a pass completion rate of 90 percent with Roma last term. He was also good defensively with five duels and two tackles won per game with four recoveries.
The 25-year-old increased his stock value at the World Cup. He capitalised on Aurelien Tchouameni’s injury woes to become a key player in the centre of the park.
As a result, Roma now value him at around £51m, much higher than the previous £43m price tag.
Still, he would be a fine acquisition for United. Kone is more of a natural in the number six role than Santos and Tielemans, and would provide good defensive resolve.
With Arsenal also eager to bring in a defensive midfielder, United should move quickly to finalise the player’s transfer. He has already opened the door for the move.
Stats from Sofascore