Chelsea target Koné as Alonso's midfield priority

Chelsea have placed Manu Koné high on their shortlist under manager Xabi Alonso and plan to intensify negotiations in the coming hours, according to RMC Sport. However, any move hinges on Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City. Although Koné has previously expressed interest in playing in the Premier League, Roma are holding firm with less than a day until the transfer deadline, demanding no less than €55 million to let the French midfielder leave. The tight timeframe and difficulty in sourcing a suitable replacement have pushed Roma's management to prioritize keeping Koné in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The club's position reflects their determination to avoid losing a key player at the final hour of the window, despite the midfielder's stated Premier League ambitions.

Chelsea have approached the representatives of Manu Koné as the Premier League club considers alternatives should Enzo Fernández depart for Manchester City. Alongside Monaco's Camara, Koné is being evaluated as a replacement option for the Argentine midfielder. Roma, however, have no intention of parting with the French midfielder. The club has not received any formal proposals for Koné, according to Fabrizio Romano, and will not entertain a sale at this stage of the transfer window.

Roma have revived their interest in Leweling with significant momentum. The club have reached a total agreement with Stuttgart that now awaits ratification, according to reports. Meanwhile, the deal with Zenit for Luiz Henrique has been placed on hold after it was blocked overnight. That move had been Roma's primary target in the forward market, but the Stuttgart option for Leweling now appears to have gained traction as an alternative route.