Chelsea and Liverpool are both fishing in the same pool for players and it appears they are expected to challenge each other for another top star
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso wanted to add a new central midfielder in the summer(Image: Chelsea Football Club, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool has reportedly made a transfer enquiry for Chelsea transfer target Manu Kone. The 25-year-old had been on Chelsea's radar during the summer transfer window following an impressive showing for France at the World Cup, but Roma were reluctant to sell him.
It's claimed Chelsea bid £51.5m for the Frenchman, but the Italians did not budge. He has since featured in all four of their opening matches this season.
Despite this, Kone's future at Roma is far from certain, three and a half months before the transfer window opens up again.
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According to the Italian media outlet Tuttomercato, Liverpool has made contact regarding the Frenchman and could launch a more 'determined' bid in the coming months. Chelsea have also been tipped to make a move for him in January.
Liverpool offloaded Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, but didn't sign any midfield replacements, instead directing their attention towards attacking reinforcements, with Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola arriving, alongside centre-back Ronald Araujo on loan.
When quizzed on Kone's future after the close of the transfer window, Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico said: "I said it would be difficult for us to deprive ourselves of important players so near to the end of the transfer session, and that proved to be the case. Kone is an important player; we're happy that he remained with us."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Manu Kone of AS Roma during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Kone was heavily linked with Chelsea(Image: Jan Kruger, Getty Images)
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Alongside Kone, Liverpool have long held an interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, another player Chelsea attempted to sign during the summer window, only for the Ligue 1 side to pull out of a deal at the last moment.
It left the Blues short in midfield, especially after Enzo Fernandez was sold to Manchester City for £125million. Chelsea have been relying on Reece James - a right-back for the majority of his career - and Romeo Lavia to be their midfield anchors in the absence of the injured Moises Caicedo.
Summer signing Valentin Barco has also been used in midfield, as has full-back Malo Gusto. Chelsea's midfield issues were further emphasised in the 2-1 away loss to Arsenal, which saw them finish with Gusto and James both playing central midfield.
Chelsea's Reece James during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2026 in London, United Kingdom
James has deputised in midfield in Caicedo's absence(Image: 2026 CameraSport)
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Chelsea had also been linked with Bournemouth ace Alex Scott, but the Cherries put a whopping £85m price-tag on him to ward off potential buyers. Jordan Henderson is also yet to feature in a competitive match as he is still recovering from the broken wrist he suffered during the World Cup.
Alonso has insisted he has enough midfield options, despite the Blues' obvious transfer pursuits in the summer. The Spaniard said: "We have different qualities and personalities. Players like Valentin – he's young but has come with great energy.
"We have Hendo who has the composure, the mentality. He knows what's going on in the game, and he's getting closer and closer to playing time. And with Rom (Lavia), Moi (Caicedo), Reece (James), Malo (Gusto) can play there, (Reggie) Watson as well, Mahdi (Nicoll-Jazuli) from the Academy, we have options.
"We need to have the right balance and within that we have quality and competitiveness for all the season and to face each opponent."