Manchester United have the upper hand over Arsenal to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to French publication L’Equipe.
The Gunners have had a quiet summer transfer window and have made a solitary signing in goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer.
The club are poised to confirm the arrival of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis in the next 24 hours, but the fans obviously expect more activity.
L’Equipe now claim that Arsenal are among four Premier League clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Roma midfielder Kone.
However, United clearly have the ‘upper hand’ in the pursuit, and the Frenchman has already opened the door to join the Red Devils.
Michael Carrick’s side have held initial discussions over a transfer, but they have yet to enter a ‘decisive stage’ with the Giallorossi.
United plan to analyse potential deals in the transfer market before deciding whether to make a formal transfer approach for Kone.
Arsenal continue to prioritise Bruno Guimaraes
The Gunners have placed their prime priority on landing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes to bolster their midfield department.
Guimaraes, who made 15 goal contributions in the Premier League last term, has already indicated that he wishes to join Arsenal this summer.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side have yet to negotiate a suitable fee with the Magpies, who are holding out for £80-85 million to part ways with the 28-year-old.
There has been no progress in the last couple of weeks, and the Gunners need to make a quick decision whether to sign him or move on to an alternative.
Kone would be a good backup target for the London giants. It was claimed last month that he dreams of playing for Arsenal in the Premier League.
However, stances can change during the transfer window. The Frenchman is now prepared to move to United, who have shown more desire to sign him.
As per L’Equipe, the Red Devils are ‘very interested‘ in landing the former Borussia Monchengladbach man. He is considered their next midfield priority target after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Kone is more defensive-minded than Guimaraes, but he is also a good ball-playing midfielder and has excelled at winning duels, tackles and ball recoveries.
He would be a good alternative to Guimaraes for the Gunners, but time is running out with United hot on his trail.
Roma want to balance their books with a sizeable capital gain before their UEFA Financial Fair Play deadline on July 31. They could accept £42m to sell Kone.
Stats from Transfermarkt