Manu Kone’s future at AS Roma is growing uncertain and Newcastle United’s move can depend on some key factors.
The Frenchman has become one of the Italian club’s best players in the last couple of seasons. He has become synonymous with an ability to beat the press and carry the ball into advanced areas.
That has made him very important for Gian Piero Gasperini, whose system relies on man-marking and players like Kone have a very special role. He has played 35 times in all competitions this season, contributing to five goals along the way.
Sport Witness have covered Newcastle United’s interest in the midfielder, who was pursued by Inter Milan last summer.
Details are now emerging about Kone and how Newcastle United can potentially land him.
Roma’s director chaos
Il Messaggero look at possible sales from Roma due to FFP reasons and they describe Kone as a key candidate to depart.
He is seen as one of the ‘players on display’ at the Giallorossi. He is viewed as an ‘excellent option’ whose exit will help Roma from a financial perspective.
Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are keen. The Nerazzurri specifically are looking to make a renewed approach and beat the Magpies. But Roma are currently in a bit of a mess off the pitch.
Sporting director Ricky Massara’s future is uncertain, with advisor Claudio Ranieri having left two weeks ago. Massara’s replacement hasn’t yet been found and this will dictate Kone’s sale.
Gasperini is about to have a key meeting with the ownership about this. He is aware that the director appointment will decide the futures of a lot of players, including Kone. The Italian would ideally not want to lose the Frenchman but financial reasons will influence that.
Our take: Kone will add value to the midfield
Newcastle United themselves can lose at least one midfielder in the summer. Sandro Tonali is popular with a host of clubs and so is Bruno Guimaraes.
Manu Kone’s profile makes him a good fit for the Premier League, as he can play deeper in midfield or as a number eight.
Anything around €45m for the France international could actually be a bargain. Kone is only 24, has big European experience, playing over ten times for France as well. That is a proven midfielder, who can really grow into one of the best in Europe – if fitness permits.
If everything falls into place, this could be one of the best transfers of the summer.
