Transfer talk: Arsenal target Manu Kone, with Roma setting a 50 million euro price tag
Arsenal are wasting no time after clinching the Premier League title. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners have put Manu Kone high on their list as they look to strengthen the middle of the park. The 25-year-old French midfielder has been turning in an impressive season for AS Roma and fits the bill for Mikel Arteta, who wants more punch and control in the centre of his side. His athleticism and knack for influencing matches have caught the eye of the club’s scouts in London.
The former Toulouse man has underlined his value this season with 37 appearances in all competitions, two goals and three assists. Solid numbers, sure, but they only tell part of the story when it comes to his influence in Rome. Under contract until June 2029, Kone is a key part of Roma’s plans and they are in no mood to make life easy for anyone trying to prise him away. Roma value their midfielder at 50 million euros, a hefty fee, though one Arsenal can stomach after their Premier League triumph.
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Roma won’t be pushed into a cut-price Kone sale, Arsenal ready to move
Even so, this one looks tricky. Roma have made their stance clear: Kone will not be leaving on the cheap. The Italian club rate the player highly and intend to negotiate from a position of strength. Arsenal will need to come up with an offer that matches Roma’s demands if they want any chance of luring away one of their key men.
The next few weeks should be telling. Arteta has identified Kone as the ideal addition to bulk out a midfield that is already competitive, but perhaps lacks a more powerful, high-energy option to cope across every front. Arsenal have the money and the sporting pull to tempt the player. The question is whether Roma will lower their asking price or whether the Gunners will have to pay through the nose.
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