Chelsea hold 'initial talks' to hijack €50m Man Utd transfer

16 Jul 2026 08:04 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Chelsea have reportedly held initial talks with AS Roma over a possible summer deal for Manchester United target Manu Kone.

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The France international, who played a pivotal role as Didier Deschamps’ side reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, has been earmarked as a potential signing by the Man Utd hierarchy following Ederson’s failed medical at Old Trafford.

Current ETV

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

ETV Range

€44.6M - €54.5M

Ederson was expected to become a Man Utd player after the World Cup, but the Red Devils have withdrawn from negotiations over a deal and it’s understood that Kone has been identified as their next midfield target.

However, they are set to face competition from Chelsea, as per a report from Italian publication Corriere della Sera (via Sport Witness).

Chelsea are currently locked in negotiations with Roma over a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, with the Serie A side eager to sign the winger this summer, and initial talks have also taken place regarding Kone’s potential availability.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer transfer and it has been claimed that a bid worth €50 million will be enough to secure his signature as Roma look to raise funds through a major player sale.

Chelsea have reportedly held discussions with Roma officials for Kone and a proposed deal could intensify quickly over the next few weeks, with Man Utd yet to solidify their interest with a formal approach.

Manu Kone to replace Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea?

Chelsea’s reported interest in Kone comes amid significant rumours that Enzo Fernandez could leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer transfer window.

It’s understood that Fernandez is eager to explore his options after the World Cup, with Real Madrid his preferred destination, but Chelsea have set an asking price of €140m and this is a major deterrent for most clubs across world football.

Furthermore, Alonso has confirmed that he wants to work with Fernandez next season, despite the Argentine’s desire to leave west London following Chelsea’s 10th-placed finish last term.

“Yes, we have spoken but as you can understand what we have spoken remains private,” Alonso told reporters during his first press conference as Chelsea manager on Monday.

When pressed on whether he wants to keep Fernandez at the club, Alonso simply replied: “Yes.”

Fernandez still has six years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea’s interest in Kone is likely in response to the decision to sell Andrey Santos to Man Utd in a deal that could reach €58m if add-ons are triggered.

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