Chelsea may face a significantly more expensive route back to Manu Koné after the Roma midfielder’s value reportedly climbed towards €100million.
The Blues made Koné one of their leading midfield targets during the closing stages of the summer transfer window following Enzo Fernández’s move to Manchester City.
A transfer ultimately failed to materialise, leaving the France international in Rome.
Only weeks later, Koné’s excellent start to the season has strengthened Roma’s position considerably ahead of any renewed Chelsea interest.
Chelsea transfer news: Koné value climbs towards €100m
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport now reports that Koné’s valuation has risen towards €100m, following an impressive start to the campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini.
The midfielder scored twice against Inter Milan last weekend and has developed into an increasingly influential attacking presence from midfield.
That represents a major change from Chelsea’s position at the end of August.
Koné had emerged as Chelsea’s priority midfield target as the Blues searched for a replacement for Fernández.
L’Équipe subsequently reported that Chelsea and Roma had reached terms over a €60m transfer, with Koné also speaking to Xabi Alonso about how he would be used at Stamford Bridge.
Roma ultimately kept the midfielder after failing to secure an adequate replacement.
Chelsea’s failed summer move looks increasingly costly
Chelsea’s inability to complete the transfer formed part of a difficult end to the window.
The Blues also saw their pursuit of Lamine Camara collapse, leaving Alonso without the direct midfield reinforcement he had been chasing after Fernández’s departure.
Those setbacks left Chelsea facing a double deadline-day blow in their attempt to reshape the midfield.
Koné’s subsequent development makes that failed deal particularly interesting.
Corriere dello Sport argues that €60m would now represent a starting point rather than an end point for negotiations, with the midfielder’s performances pushing his potential valuation towards nine figures.
Chelsea are not currently reported to have made a fresh offer.
However, the Blues’ previous interest means his progress will be difficult to ignore if Alonso again pushes for midfield reinforcements in January or next summer.
Roma are now in a considerably stronger negotiating position than they were in August.
Chelsea came close to landing Koné for around €60m. If his current trajectory continues, revisiting that deal could now require a substantially larger investment.
Barcelona move deals Chelsea Marc Bernal transfer blow
Barcelona move deals Chelsea Marc Bernal transfer blow
Chelsea keeping close eye on Conrad Harder during Strasbourg loan spell
Chelsea keeping close eye on Conrad Harder during Strasbourg loan spell