Roma draw up midfield alternatives as Manchester United circle Koné
Transfer News·20 July 2026·18h ago

Roma draw up midfield alternatives as Manchester United circle Koné

Source: Cult of Calcio

Roma are preparing contingency plans to replace Manu Koné should he leave the club, with Manchester United leading the chase for the midfielder. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed the club will likely have to sell a key player due to financial constraints, with the deadline for such sales now set for July 31st. Roma value Koné at €55–60 million, a substantial markup from his €12 million book value, and expect significant interest alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, who are also tracking Eduardo Camavinga and Alex Scott.

The Giallorossi would prefer to offload Matías Soulé instead, but he rejected a move to Saudi Arabia and offers have been insufficient. Juventus's pursuit of Zeki Çelik, valued at €40 million, has also forced Roma's hand. To bolster their midfield options, the club are monitoring Frank Kessié and Khephren Thuram from Chelsea, as well as Celtic's Arne Engels (€20–25 million) and Botafogo's Danilo Santos (€30–35 million), a former member of Brazil's World Cup squad. Gasperini has shifted his stance on retaining the entire squad, though wage constraints remain a significant obstacle to some acquisitions. Roma prioritize a defensively robust midfielder to complement their existing options.

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Roma are bracing for the possible departure of midfielder Manu Koné this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea both circling the French player. The club have set an asking price of €50–60 million and will only negotiate serious offers within that range. The Giallorossi face a July 31st deadline to complete player sales due to financial and UEFA regulatory constraints, making a departure increasingly likely. Cult of Calcio reports that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed the need to sell a key player and that Roma are already drawing up midfield alternatives. The outlets differ on Koné's valuation; Forza Roma notes Manchester United has made initial contact with representatives but no formal bid has arrived, while Cult of Calcio values him at €55–60 million against his €12 million book value. Both outlets agree Roma would prefer to sell Matías Soulé instead, though he rejected a Saudi move. Cult of Calcio reveals Roma are monitoring Frank Kessié, Khephren Thuram, Arne Engels, and Danilo Santos as potential replacements, prioritizing defensive solidity in their recruitment.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

With the World Cup now in the rearview mirror, Roma are bracing for Manu Koné to fetch significant offers, with Manchester United leading the pack. They have begun earmarking potential replacements, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays. Gian Piero Gasperini recently confirmed that they’ll likely have to…

Read the full article in Italian at Cult of Calcio.

Read original on Cult of Calcio

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