Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are in the hunt for AS Roma’s Manu Kone but their task continues to be complex.
In the summer, the Italian side were considering the midfielder’s sale. This was because of UEFA FFP obligations that were forcing them to make capital gains through player exits.
Somehow, Roma postponed this need and Kone had an excellent World Cup. This helped him attract more interest, with Sport Witness tracking how Arsenal and Manchester United were keen on a transfer.
They never made decisive offers for him though, as Chelsea also failed with a late move. The Blues put forward €60m, but whilst it may not have been too little at the time, it was certainly too late. That amount earlier in the summer would have likely secured a transfer.
Liverpool’s interest has now also become clear, which is no surprise considering how well the midfielder has started the season for Roma.
Competition getting bigger
ASRomaLive note that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United remain in the hunt for Kone, who was valued at between €50m and €60m in the summer.
That valuation has now increased, with the outlet noting that he could be as expensive as €90m next summer. This is mainly because of how well he has done so far in the campaign, scoring a brace against Inter Milan.
Calciomercato IT add further information, reporting that Bayern Munich have also joined the race for Kone.
For now, this hasn’t bothered Roma too much. In fact, it has only convinced them that the player would only leave if a ‘monstrous offer’ arrives for the Frenchman in the summer.
This stance also mirrors Roma’s perception of the player, who is seen as a key part of the project.
Our take: Auction underway for player
Roma only postponed their FFP obligations until the summer of 2027. This can lead to a major sale next year. This makes Kone’s rise rather convenient, as he will be their highest-valued player by then. He will also hand them a huge capital gain, which will solve their problems with UEFA.
That is why it won’t be a surprise if Roma unleash an auction involving Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. It is public knowledge that Chelsea tried to sign him, which will add to his reputation further.
The player’s objective, for now, would be to help Roma in the title race and it will aid the club in more ways than one.
