Roma push hard for Gittens as Chelsea talks continue, but time is running out

Roma have issued a firm denial of reports linking midfielder Manu Koné to Chelsea. Speculation emerged from England in the closing stages of the summer transfer window suggesting the French midfielder was close to joining Chelsea under Xabi Alonso. The club moved swiftly to kill the story, with Roma's hierarchy at Trigoria dismissing the claims entirely. The statement released read: "We are talking about nothing. These are simply disruptive tactics." Roma's position aligns with the stance head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has maintained from the start of pre-season, when he made clear Koné was a non-negotiable part of his plans. No offer from the Friedkin Group board reached the table, and no negotiations with the London club have opened. Koné remains a cornerstone of Roma's tactical project for the 2026-27 season, exactly as the manager demanded from the first days of training camp. The swift resolution allows Roma's management to focus their remaining energy on the final hours of the transfer window and secure one last signing in the attacking department.

Chelsea have made official contact with Roma regarding midfielder Manu Koné, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has closed the door on any departure. The English club reached out to Roma overnight between 31 August and 1 September, seeking to understand the conditions and feasibility of a move for the French midfielder. Chelsea had already been in contact with Koné's agents for several days but took the step of approaching Roma directly in the final hours of the transfer window. Gasperini is unwilling to let Koné leave, particularly with just hours remaining before the market closes. Fabrizio Romano reported that Roma remain calm about the situation, stating there is nothing advanced in discussions with Chelsea and that Gasperini and the club view Koné as fundamental to their project. The situation remains fluid, with reports suggesting both an acceleration in talks and Gasperini's firm resistance creating contradictory signals. Meanwhile, Roma have also been linked with a loan move for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, which could potentially form part of a wider operation with Chelsea if negotiations progress. According to reports, Chelsea have been evaluating various midfield targets and are also considering prospects for a January move, particularly should Enzo Fernández depart. Matteo Moretto confirmed that at present there is a first contact between the two clubs but no official offer or concrete figures have been tabled by Chelsea. The reporter noted that while Gasperini rejected the possibility of Koné's departure yesterday, Chelsea have now shown concrete interest, leaving the question of whether Roma's position might shift in the coming hours before the window closes.

Roma are working against the clock on the final day of the summer transfer window—which closes at 20:00 on Monday, 1 September—to secure an attacking winger to complement head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's forward line. The club has made its priority clear as the deadline approaches, with just six hundred minutes of negotiating time remaining. The focus remains on landing an outside forward to strengthen the attacking unit, which Gasperini has said is already performing well in Serie A this season. Alongside that pursuit, Roma must keep watch on midfielder Manu Koné, whose situation could change in the final hours if Chelsea or another club moves decisively. Any late departures from the squad are also possible before the window shuts.