Manu Kone was close to joining Chelsea last summer and the Blues could now face competition from Liverpool.
While currently injured, the midfielder has been key for AS Roma this season. He started the season very well, scoring a brace against Inter Milan. Even before picking up the injury, he was dominating in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
SportWitness tracked how several English clubs were in the mix to sign him in the summer. Chelsea made a decisive move late in the window and the deal was heading in the right direction. However, manager Gian Piero Gasperini vetoed the deal and it ruined the Blues’ plans.
This doesn’t mean Kone will end up staying in the Italian capital, with Liverpool now in the picture.
Two clubs competing
Tuttomercatoweb assess Roma’s future transfer plans. While they focus on incomings, they place emphasis on Kone’s future, as his exit could unlock possible signings.
The outlet note that Chelsea offered €60m to sign him in the summer. They remain interested but Liverpool are now in the race for the France international too.
The two English giants are battling for Kone and can make a ‘strong offer’ at the end of the season. The report notes that they could even put forward more than the €60m Chelsea offered in the summer.
Meanwhile, Roma are looking at possible midfield additions, as they remain aware of growing interest in the player.
| Every Chelsea signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa | £120m |
| Maxence Lacroix | Crystal Palace | £52m |
| Geovany Quenda | Sporting | £41.5m |
| Marco Palestra | Atalanta | £47m |
| Valentin Barco | RC Strasbourg | £34m |
| Pep Chavarría | Rayo Vallecano | £17m |
| Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa | £7.8m |
| Danny Welbeck | Brighton | £5.1m |
| Jordan Henderson | Brentford | Free |
Our take: Kone’s stature growing further
Roma have playing in the Champions League this season after a six-year absence. Kone was key to helping them qualify and he has played in the competition too, which has raised his profile further. That helps Roma, as they can now stand firm in their valuation for the player.
Interest from Chelsea and Liverpool is no surprise either, as the 25-year-old has showed he can impress at the highest level.
Since Roma have greater control over the scenario, the two clubs need something special to land the Frenchman.
Senior club career stats · All competitions
| Club | Years | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toulouse | 2019–2021 | 59 | 6 | 1 |
| Borussia Mönchengladbach | 2021–2024 | 86 | 6 | 1 |
| Roma | 2024–present | 90 | 6 | 6 |
| Career total | 235 | 18 | 8 | |
8 appearances · 2 goals · 0 assists
Toulouse totals include his loan spell after signing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Roma totals include his initial loan season. The 2026/27 figures are already included in the career totals.
Sources: FBref, Flashscore and published career records.
