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Arsenal receive official response from midfield target - 'We will see what happens'
14 Jun 2026 11:02 CDT |
4 min read
News
France midfielder Manu Kone insists he remains fully focused on the World Cup amid ongoing speculation linking him with Arsenal.
Kone has established himself as one of Serie A’s best midfielders since joining Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024.
The 25-year-old played a significant role in helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s side record an impressive third-place league finish last season.
Current ETV
Manu Kone
M (C)
Roma
Manu Kone
M (C)
Roma
ETV Range
€49.5M - €60.5M
And such has been Kone’s form in the Italian capital that French publication L’Equipe understands Arsenal are interested in his services.
A separate report BBC Sport claims the Gunners are keen to sign a flexible midfielder who is capable of operating as a No. 6 and a No. 8.
However, Kone says he is not paying too much attention to the talk surrounding his future, but rather he is channeling his efforts into helping France win a third World Cup this summer.
In quotes carried by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, via transfers specialist Fabrizio Romano, Kone said: “I am focused on the World Cup. After that, we will see what happens.”
Roma reportedly under pressure to sell players this summer
Despite earning qualification for next season’s Champions League, widespread reports understand Roma are under pressure to sell players in order to meet capital gains requirements before 30 June.
When asked whether he was confident Roma could keep hold of Kone, manager Gasperini was pessimistic, saying in May: “Modern football, I think, no longer features unsellable players anywhere. Perhaps only in the top, top, top teams in the world.
STATS
Manu Kone
M (C)
Roma
Manu Kone
M (C)
Roma
“Let’s go back to the issue of fourth place, which always makes a difference financially. When faced with unmissable offers, everyone, except a very few, is available. But I don’t know if these unmissable offers are that common; they’re truly rare.
“There are many clear opportunities around. But as for him (Kone), he’s a strong player, and I’d like him to continue playing for Roma.
“Why would I say I’d like him to leave? No, I hope he continues. Then, if an unmissable offer were to arrive—I don’t know, perhaps one that would allow him to do other things—we’ll see. Last year was different, but that’s not the case for everyone.”
Arsenal have also been strongly linked with West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but The Times understands the 21-year-old is poised to join Manchester United in a €92million (£80m) deal.
Fernandes is expected to leave the Hammers, who need to raise funds after suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
