Chelsea make late move for €45m star as Romano confirms contact

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Chelsea have initiated contact with the representatives of AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone ahead of a possible late swoop on Transfer Deadline Day.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move throughout the summer window, amid reported interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, and Chelsea have now stepped up their bid to sign him as they prepare for the possible sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.

Current ETV

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

Manu Kone

M (C)

Roma

€44.6M

ETV Range

€40.1M - €49M

View full profile

Xabi Alonso’s side are understood to be in talks over a potential deal for AS Monaco star Lamine Camara, who is open to the possibility of moving to Stamford Bridge, but they have also now opened negotiations to bring Kone to the club.

That is according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who reports that Kone is Chelsea’s priority target to replace Fernandez if Man City submit an offer worth €140 million before the transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Tuesday.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are in contact with Kone’s representatives, while RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins states that he is “very high” on Chelsea’s list of midfield targets.

It’s understood that Chelsea are yet to submit an official offer to Roma, but they could be set to intensify negotiations over a potential deal in the coming hours.

Why do Chelsea want to sign Manu Kone?

Kone has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in Europe during his time at Roma and his reputation in the game has skyrocketed thanks to an excellent 2026 World Cup with France.

When asked about his compatriot at the tournament, France legend Patrick Vieira said: “He had a really good season in Serie A with Roma. He came to the World Cup after a couple of injuries. It has been quite a difficult season for him.

“He is for me today the best midfielder in France. I'd put him ahead of [Aurelien] Tchouameni and [Adrien] Rabiot, because he has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward.”

Vieira continued: “He will win the ball, but he has something more than the others, as he can play forward.

“Sometimes Tchouameni can give you a little bit of frustration, too many passes sideways or backwards, but he's got more passes going forward.”

Kone has made 83 appearances for Roma since his arrival in 2024, scoring four goals, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €44.6m.