“What Happened, Happened” – Chelsea Target Speaks Out After £52M Deadline Day Move Collapsed
Roma midfielder Manu Kone has spoken out for the first time after his Deadline Day transfer to Chelsea fell through last month.
It is believed that the Blues were close to signing the French international for £52m on September 1st, and when asked if the rumours were true, Kone replied:
“Yes, things have happened to me. I know. But I’m at Roma; I’m focused. What happened, happened. I give 100% for this club. I will give everything to meet expectations, and that’s it.”
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini was reportedly the one who pulled the plug on the transfer. The Italian was desperate to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.
Could Chelsea revive their move in January?
Unlike the deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara, there is a stronger likelihood that interest could be rekindled in Kone.
Relations between the two teams are still believed to be cordial, in contrast to Monaco, and Roma are still likely to be open to a sale as they have concerns about breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Kone could be A LOT more expensive now
One potential fly in the ointment is that the midfielder has had a very strong start to the season, and he is even more indispensable to Gasperini than he was in the summer, having helped the Giallorossi to 4 wins and 1 draw in their first 5 Serie A games.
Reports in the Italian media have suggested that Kone could be worth in excess of €100m (£85m) now, and if Roma were to demand such a fee in January, it would greatly reduce the chances of a transfer happening.
Another complication is that reliable journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Liverpool are also tracking the player.
Xabi Alonso’s side are expected to make a move for at least one midfielder in the New Year, but they may have to consider targets other than Kone.