Manchester United’s midfield rebuild just hit another snag. The club has been informed that AS Roma’s Manu Kone will not come cheap, with Italian reports indicating the French international is now valued at roughly $59 million, not the $46 million figure that was floating around earlier this week.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini sees Kone as a cornerstone of the squad and has zero interest in selling unless the price is right. The report says €55 million is the magic number. Anything less, and the Giallorossi aren’t picking up the phone.
This is the latest headache for INEOS after a frustrating summer window. The club already missed out on Ederson, who was supposed to be their first signing but now looks headed back to Atalanta. They also struck out on Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes. Andrey Santos did sign, but that’s been the lone bright spot so far.
Why Roma is Holding Firm
Kone has been turning heads at the World Cup, putting in a standout shift against Morocco and locking down a starting role for France. That kind of exposure tends to drive prices up, and Roma knows it. Gasperini is reportedly a big fan of the 25-year-old, who spent time at Borussia Mönchengladbach before moving to Italy. The manager sees him as a perfect fit for Premier League football, which means he’s not about to let him walk for cheap.
The club’s stance is crystal clear, per the Italian outlet. €50 million isn’t enough. Interested clubs have been told to come with €55 million or keep walking.
Given the form Kone is in, that valuation doesn’t seem outrageous. And for a club like United, which has spent big before, the extra money shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. But the longer INEOS waits, the more likely it is that other teams jump in. That could push the price even higher.
United’s Fallback Options
If Roma pulls any late surprises, United has an alternative in mind. Joao Gomes is reportedly on the shortlist, though he’s not the same caliber as Kone. Fans are waiting to see who actually ends up in the midfield rotation alongside Santos, but so far the club’s track record this window isn’t inspiring a ton of confidence.
Bournemouth is still playing hardball over Alex Scott, which is why United circled back to Serie A in the first place. That move hasn’t gone anywhere either.
For now, the ball is in INEOS’ court. Pay the premium, or move on to the next name on the list. Either way, the clock is ticking and the price isn’t coming down.
Leave a Comment