PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of France international Manu Koné (25) on deadline day, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
It was previously reported this summer that Koné would be keen to join a major Premier League side. The 25-year-old notably impressed with a couple of eye-catching performances for France at the 2026 World Cup. Manchester United were said to be keen on signing him, until they eventually opted to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
**L’Equipe**reported on Monday that Chelsea target Lamine Camara, who ran the show last night against Marseille, was actually the Blues’ plan B should they fail to land their priority target. It would seem that Koné is the priority, with interest in Camara cooling over the course of the past 24 hours.
Attempts to sign Koné are now being stepped up, Foot Mercato understands. Chelsea have officially made contact with AS Roma. Talks are now ongoing.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle