Chelsea plan fresh talks to complete €70m January signing

10 Sept 2026 15:55 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Chelsea are ready to approach AS Roma over a January deal for Manu Kone after failing to sign the France international this summer.

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Kone, 25, was identified as one of Chelsea’s primary candidates to replace Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for a British record transfer fee, but they were unable to finalise a deal on Deadline Day.

Current ETV

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

ETV Range

€36.1M - €44.1M

FootballTransfers understands that Chelsea agreed personal terms with Kone on the final day of the summer window, however Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini blocked a deal as the Serie A giants weren’t left with enough time to find a suitable replacement.

As a result, Kone remained at the club beyond the deadline and he is set to play a prominent role for I Giallorossi as they look to win a first Italian top flight title since 2001.

However, while Kone remains committed to Roma for the time being, it’s reported that his long-term future is still in doubt, with Chelsea now ready to engage in talks over a deal during the winter transfer window.

That is according to a report from Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, who states that fresh talks are set to take place soon, with Blues officials ready to express their interest in bringing Kone to west London in January.

It’s reported that a swap deal will be discussed, with Jamie Gittens still on Roma’s radar following their failed bid to sign him over the summer.

Gittens has only played 55 minutes out of a possible 450 so far this season and Chelsea may be willing to include him in a deal for Kone. The England U21 international is willing to explore his options amid his lack of game time under Xabi Alonso and this could prove pivotal in Chelsea’s pursuit of Kone’s signature.

FootballTransfers understands that Roma wanted a fee of €70 million to sanction a sale over the summer and it remains to be seen if they will increase their asking price when the January window opens.

Manu Kone to join Chelsea?

Chelsea have struggled in midfield so far this season and while Moises Caicedo’s return from injury will ease their concerns in the middle of the park, the club are still desperate to sign a replacement for Fernandez in 2027.

Kone is among their top targets, although the Blues may look to rekindle their interest in Lamine Camara, following his failed Deadline Day move, while links with Martin Zubimendi could intensify amid his lack of action at Arsenal.

However, the club’s first-choice option remains Alex Scott, who has been tipped to leave Bournemouth next year.