Manchester United targets Roma midfielder Koné as Friedkin hold firm on €50m valuation

Roma are leading their offensive recruitment around Diego Moreira, the left-sided winger, with Strasbourg demanding €40 million to begin negotiations. The 2004-born player has impressed at Trigoria with his pace, one-on-one ability, and tactical flexibility—qualities that head coach Gasperini considers essential for his squad. Moreira played last season as a right-back and left-back as well as an attacking winger on his weaker side, with the capacity to drift centrally. However, the pursuit is complicated by Chelsea's retention of a buyback clause, which means the London club can intervene before any transfer takes place. Moreira remains the hottest lead in Roma's hunt for wing reinforcement, but the club is not placing all bets on a single target. Director D'Amico is also tracking Mika Godts of Ajax, who recorded 17 goals and 15 assists last season—numbers that have quickly attracted significant competition. Antonio Nusa of Leipzig remains a dream option. Alejandro Garnacho, available from Chelsea, continues to be monitored by Roma, though his situation is described as more complex.

Roma are preparing to announce three contract renewals in quick succession. Gianluca Mancini will extend his deal until 2029 on 3.5 million euros net per year. Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are at the document exchange stage: the Turkish defender will earn 3 million euros net annually through 2029, while Dybala will sign a one-season contract with an option until 2028 worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses. Director D'Amico has accelerated the renewal process across multiple fronts. Lorenzo Pellegrini, formally out of contract since the start of the month, faces a different timeline—there remains economic and contractual distance between the club and the captain, and he will not begin pre-season immediately as he recovers from a late-season setback. Bryan Cristante's new contract remains on hold. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the Mancini, Çelik, and Dybala announcements are expected soon. Pellegrini's situation is more complex; talks are ongoing and a resolution will be found, but the number 7's delayed return to training reflects both the ongoing negotiations and his need for recovery time.

Manchester United is preparing a major offer for Manu Koné following the Roma midfielder's standout performances at international level, including his man-of-the-match display for France in the quarter-finals against Morocco. The Red Devils have already sounded out Koné's agents, with any formal bid to the Friedkin Group required to meet Roma's €50 million valuation. Arsenal and Newcastle have also registered interest in the 25-year-old. Koné has previously received an offer from Atlético Madrid, but his preference is understood to be a move to the Premier League. A sale at the €50 million price point would significantly ease Roma's financial position ahead of July's UEFA Fair Play deadline, though the club has not yet placed him on the market. Roma will only consider letting the midfielder depart for a figure they deem substantial enough. Koné is set to start for France in the semi-final, with any World Cup triumph expected to elevate his status among the world's elite midfielders.