Manchester United have stepped up their search for another midfielder, with Roma star Manu Kone emerging as one of the club’s leading transfer targets this summer.
The Red Devils are expected to strengthen their midfield further before the transfer window closes, and sources indicate Kone has moved high on the club’s shortlist after expressing a desire to test himself in the Premier League.
United have already completed deals for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos, with both transfers reportedly costing around £85 million combined. Those arrivals have strengthened Michael Carrick’s squad, but the club remains determined to add another quality option in the middle of the park.
Kone Impresses Club Scouts
Kone has built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders. Comfortable as both a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, the 25-year-old enjoyed a productive debut season at Roma, making 37 appearances across all competitions while contributing two goals and three assists.
His stock has risen even further following an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign with France, where his athleticism, composure on the ball and tactical intelligence have caught the attention of several top European clubs.
Manchester United have been monitoring the French international closely and now see him as a realistic option after missing out on several other midfield targets.
Tchouameni Blow Forces United to Look Elsewhere
United had initially hoped to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has long been admired at Old Trafford.
However, those hopes were ended after Real Madrid decided the Frenchman would remain at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants are also preparing a new long-term contract that would keep him at the club until 2031.
That development has forced United’s recruitment team to explore alternative targets, with Kone now viewed as one of the standout candidates.
The club had also explored moves for Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes remains out of reach for now.
Premier League stars including Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Tyler Adams and Adam Wharton continue to be admired by United, but their high price tags have made negotiations difficult.
Although Real Madrid are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Eduardo Camavinga, United’s recruitment staff are understood to prefer Kone’s profile.
Roma Ready to Sell for the Right Price
Roma are believed to be open to selling Kone this summer if their valuation is met.
Despite qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the Serie A club reportedly need to generate funds through player sales to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations. Internally, Kone is considered their most valuable asset capable of generating a significant transfer fee.
Sources suggest Roma would be willing to consider offers in the region of £50 million.
Representatives have already held discussions with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, to gauge interest in the midfielder.
During those conversations, clubs were informed that Kone is keen on a move to England should the right opportunity arise.
Roma signed the French midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024 for less than £20 million. A sale worth around £50 million would represent a substantial profit after just one season in Italy.
United Still Have Room to Strengthen
From Manchester United’s perspective, a move for Kone remains financially achievable.
With Ederson and Andrey Santos arriving for under £100 million combined, the club still has room in its transfer budget to pursue another midfielder while also working on deals for a versatile forward and a new left-back before the transfer window shuts.
If negotiations progress, Kone could become the final piece of United’s midfield rebuild as Carrick continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new season.
