Chelsea have entered the race
Two days. That is all the Blues have left to turn a phone call into a transfer.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea have made contact with Manu Kone’s camp. The AS Roma midfielder has become the London club’s top target in that area of the pitch. That is as far as it goes for now. No advanced talks, no bid on the table.
The trigger has a name: Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine is being linked with a move to Manchester City, and Xabi Alonso left him out against Brighton. Chelsea need to plug a gap in midfield, fast. Lamine Camara is also on the list.
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Roma want 60 million, and they are in no rush
Except Roma are not selling. Or not cheaply.
Kone is under contract until June 2029. The Italian club have received no offer so far and have no intention of letting their midfielder go. Atletico Madrid were rebuffed this summer after tabling 40 million euros. Since then, Roma are said to be asking for between 50 and 60 million before they even open the door to talks.
That is not stubbornness for its own sake. Kone comes off a season in which he made 37 appearances in all competitions. His stock has shot up.
From Toulouse to Deschamps’ squad
A few seasons ago, Manu Kone was at Toulouse. Then Borussia Monchengladbach. Then Roma. Then France, where he gradually carved out a major role in Didier Deschamps’ side at the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid have checked him out. Manchester United did too, before turning to Carlos Baleba.
Chelsea are late to a story the whole of Europe has been watching. The window closes on Tuesday night. At this stage, the Blues have mostly just asked the question.
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