Manchester United already locked down two midfielders this summer. Deals for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Atalanta’s Ederson are basically done. But the club isn’t stopping there. According to multiple reports out of the UK, United has its eye on a third option: Roma’s Manu Kone.
This isn’t some late-July flier. TeamTalk’s Graeme Bailey says Kone is a ‘serious’ target, and United still has budget room after spending around €103 million combined on Santos and Ederson. The sense is that manager Michael Carrick wants to reshape the midfield entirely, and three new bodies would give him a completely different engine room than the one that struggled through parts of last season.
Kone is coming off a big World Cup for France. He played a prominent role in the 2026 tournament, and that exposure has apparently nudged his price tag up. Italian media had floated a €50 million valuation earlier in the summer. Now TeamTalk reports it could be closer to €58.5 million — the same £50 million figure United agreed to pay for Santos.
Roma’s Financial Situation Opens the Door
Roma isn’t exactly in a position to dig its heels in. The club is still operating under a financial fair play settlement with UEFA, and moving Kone would bring in significant funds. Multiple Italian outlets have linked the French international with a departure all offseason. Arsenal was mentioned early on, but the Premier League champions haven’t made a formal move yet.
United has been aggressive this window. The Ederson deal is particularly interesting — the Brazilian underwent further medical tests in the UK this week before a potential €45 million transfer from Atalanta. Santos is already locked in. Adding Kone would give Carrick three new midfield options before August even hits.
It’s unclear whether United would look to move anyone out if Kone arrives. The club has a handful of midfielders on the roster who could become surplus. But right now the focus is on acquisition, not subtraction. Kone is 24, physical, comfortable on the ball, and versatile enough to play in a double pivot or as a more advanced connector. That fits what Carrick seems to be building.
No deal is imminent. But the interest is real, the budget is there, and Roma has motivation to sell. That combination usually leads somewhere.
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