Manchester United are weighing up a move for Roma midfielder Manu Kone after missing out on the signature of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Red Devils have already reached verbal agreements to sign Ederson and Andrey Santos this summer, and they are still aiming for a marquee midfield acquisition.
Madrid’s Tchouameni was deemed a prime target for the club, but they have received a big setback with the Frenchman now prepared to commit his future to Los Blancos with an improved contract.
Corriere dello Sport today claim that the Red Devils have identified Kone as one of the most promising prospects, and they could make an approach for the 25-year-old.
The Giallorossi are open to selling Kone, provided their €50 million (£43m) asking price is met.
Kone would be a good cost-effective acquisition
The Frenchman was first linked with a Premier League move during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach. He ended up joining Roma, where he has been an undisputed starter.
Kone had a brilliant 2025/26 season with the Serie A heavyweights, who qualified for the Champions League with a top-four league finish. He had a passing accuracy of 90 percent with an average of five duels and two tackles won per game.
The 25-year-old also made 4.4 recoveries per appearance and has gone on to play a leading role in France’s midfield at the World Cup, capitalising on Tchouameni’s injury woes.
Kone’s reputation has grown with his World Cup performances, and Roma are in a strong position to command their asking price, or more, should there be a bidding war for his services.
Hence, United must be proactive in pursuing the player and seek to beat the competition with an early approach. Kone reportedly dreams of playing in the Premier League next season.
Arsenal are his preferred destination, but he should be open to joining a bigger club like United, provided he has the opportunity to compete for a starting spot in the next campaign.
Stats from Sofascore