Manchester United might be in pole position to land France midfielder Manu Koné, but they’ve got company. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and even Atletico Madrid have all poked around Roma asking about the 25-year-old, whose price tag keeps climbing after a monster World Cup showing.
Roma wants at least €60 million, about £51 million. That’s up from the €50 million floor before the tournament. And it makes sense. Koné was so crucial for France that his absence in the semifinal against Spain was glaring — Aurelien Tchouameni couldn’t replicate his disruptive energy in the middle of the park. France lost, and Koné’s stock only went up.
There’s chatter in England that Manchester United already has a deal locked in at €53 million. Rio Ferdinand said as much on his YouTube channel. But Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport pushes back on that. Its take: United has shown the most consistent interest and taken the most steps, but nothing is signed. Not even close.
Koné’s World Cup isn’t over yet — France plays in Saturday’s third-place match — but once that’s done, expect the real bidding to kick off. Roma bought him from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024 for just €18 million plus €2 million in add-ons. So even at the reduced price floating around in rumor land, they’re looking at a massive profit.
The Premier League clubs circling him all have different needs. United could use a young midfielder who can both defend and push forward. Liverpool’s engine room is getting older. Arsenal wants depth behind Declan Rice. Chelsea just likes buying players. Atletico Madrid is the wild card — they always seem to have a plan for French midfielders.
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