Now that the 2026 World Cup is done and dusted, teams in the Premier League can focus on their business in the summer transfer window. Recently, a development has taken place in a five-way transfer race.
Manu Kone is in the sights of several top clubs in England’s top division, but Manchester United seem to have recently taken the lead.
According to a recent report from Italian outlet LaRoma24, United have made ‘contact’ with the player’s representatives as they look to formulate a move in the coming weeks.
However, as we have mentioned, the Red Devils are far from alone in their pursuit. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to be interested, though no official enquiries have been made by either of the two clubs as things stand.
Furthermore, Chelsea are also in the mix, with Gazetta dello Sport suggesting that the Blues could make a late swoop for the player as talks between Kone and United trundle on. On top of this, they also mentioned that PSG were linked, but their interest seems to have gone cold.
Additionally, a post on X (formerly Twitter) from journalist Damiano Er Faina back in June also states that Manchester City had made ‘enquiries’ into the 25-year-old’s availability.
As we can see, interest in Kone is certainly high. Currently at Roma, he has previously played for teams such as Borussia Monchengladbach and Toulouse – he also represents France on the international stage. He has won 19 caps for France since making his debut for Les Bleus back in 20204.
Manu Kone 2025/26 Serie A stats
Games Goals Assists Y. Cards R. Cards
Manu Kone 29 2 3 2 0
Manu Kone 2026 World Cup stats
Games Goals Assists Y. Cards R. Cards
Manu Kone 5 0 0 1 0
What would Manu Kone bring to Manchester United?
A high-energy, physical midfielder who brings both industry and inspiration to the middle of the park, Kone would be an absolutely fantastic addition to United’s midfield.
With Manuel Ugarte being injured and Casemiro departing the club, the Red Devils need to make central additions. They have already added a couple, in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but Kone brings something a little bit different.
Kone is an excellent passer of the ball, but he can also carry it effectively with his solid ball control and excellent physical attributes.
A midfielder for the modern era, Kone can function as a box-to-box player and as a holding midfielder to equal measures of brilliance. He certainly isn’t averse to putting in a tackle, with his wonderful ability on the ball allowing him to turn defence into attack within seconds.
A player with no outstanding weaknesses, Kone can occupy practically any role within midfield. He is a little injury prone, however, having spent three stints out of action last season.
He isn’t the greatest goalscorer in the world, having only found the back of the net twice in Serie A last season, but his other attributes more than make up for it.
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