Chelsea have identified AS Roma’s Manu Koné as the top target to strengthen the midfield.
On Monday, Sport Witness covered multiple reports from France explaining that Chelsea want to sign him.
The Premier League side have identified him as their priority midfield target.
Chelsea make contact
Corriere dello Sport backs up the Blues’ desire to sign the 25-year-old before the window closes later today.
Xabi Alonso’s side are keen and are now ‘pressing’ to secure Manu Koné’s services. They have contacted his agent to find out his willingness for a late move. Chelsea want him to replace Enzo Fernández, who seems to be on his way to Manchester City.
The midfielder has three years left on his contract and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €50m.
AS Roma haven’t received a formal offer or approach from Chelsea yet and want at least €60m to part ways with him today.
Last month, the France international had assured Gian Piero Gasperini that he will stay. The manager is counting on him and doesn’t want to sell a key player on deadline day. There’s no sufficient time to find a suitable replacement.
Manager sends warning amid Chelsea approach
On Monday, Manu Koné started in the Serie A side’s 4-0 win over US Lecce. In the post-match press conference, Gian Piero Gasperini spoke about the possibility of losing the Frenchman and Corriere dello Sport have relayed his comments.
The manager urges AS Roma to hold on to the player and confirms he’s unaware of the possibility of losing him on deadline day.
“Can Koné leave? Absolutely not,” he said.
“It’s a media thing. No one has ever spoken to me about Koné’s departure, or anyone else’s at this time, just a few… less than 24 hours before the transfer window closes.”
“And I also know that the owners aren’t in agreement with the sales, and I don’t know who showed up, because we’ve never received any official offers either. So, this too is something we must categorically deny.”
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.