
Koné's Premier League move fades as Arsenal and Chelsea pursue alternatives
AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné appears unlikely to move to the Premier League this summer, closing off what he saw as an ideal destination if he left the club by 30 June. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have shifted their attention elsewhere. Arsenal, after initially targeting Bruno Guimaraes, are now pursuing Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon. Chelsea have opted for a surprise move for Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder, who is reportedly willing to return to London under any contractual terms to reunite with coach Xabi Alonso. Roma views Koné as less expendable than fellow midfielder Matías Soulé, who is awaiting offers from the Bundesliga or Saudi Arabia, though he has reservations about the latter destination. The closure of English options suggests Koné's future remains uncertain, with the club considering him a less likely candidate for sale compared to Soulé. His departure would require significant offers from elsewhere, or he may remain at the Stadio Olimpico under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's plans for the coming season.


