Manchester United have opened formal talks with Roma over France midfielder Manu Kone, stepping up their efforts to beat Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature.
The 23-year-old, valued at about €60m (£51m), has emerged as one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders after a standout 2026 World Cup campaign with France, according to the Mirror.
United are understood to have initiated direct contact with Roma as they look to strengthen a midfield that has already cost them £85m in this transfer window, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
United move first in three-way Premier League battle
Arsenal and Liverpool are both monitoring Kone, whose performances for France at the World Cup have put him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
Kone was widely viewed as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, impressing with his energy, ball-winning and ability to drive play forward from deep. His displays for “Les Bleus” have significantly increased his market value and positioned him as a marquee target for clubs seeking a long-term midfield solution.
Manchester United, however, are the first of the English contenders to open formal negotiations with Roma, giving them an early advantage in what is expected to be a fiercely contested transfer race.
Roma qualified for Champions League – but must sell
Roma have secured a return to the Champions League, boosting the club’s sporting profile and revenue streams. But despite that achievement, the Italian side are still under pressure to balance their books and are prepared to consider major sales this summer.
Kone is seen in Rome as the prime candidate to generate a substantial transfer fee. His excellent World Cup campaign has only strengthened Roma’s position in terms of asking price, with the club hopeful of maximising any deal for the Frenchman.
Reports in Italy suggest that Manchester United’s recent decision to step back from a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson may be directly linked to their focus on Kone as a new primary target.
Midfield overhaul continues at Old Trafford
Reinforcing the midfield has been identified as one of United’s main priorities this summer, with the club determined to add more dynamism, physicality and depth in the centre of the pitch.
The signings of Tielemans and Santos – costing a combined £85m – underline that strategy, but United’s hierarchy are believed to be willing to sanction further significant spending to secure another high-calibre midfielder.
Adding Kone would give United a younger, high-intensity option capable of operating in multiple roles, complementing their existing midfield options and potentially reshaping the balance of the team.
Arsenal and Liverpool keep watching brief
Arsenal, having strengthened in midfield in recent windows, are understood to be exploring whether Kone could further enhance Mikel Arteta’s options as they aim to sustain a Premier League title challenge and progress in Europe.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain in the market for midfield reinforcements after a substantial overhaul in that area of the squad in recent seasons. Kone’s profile – combining defensive work rate with technical quality – is believed to fit the type of player Liverpool have been targeting.
With Roma needing to sell, Kone’s World Cup rise and three of England’s biggest clubs circling, the next stage of negotiations is likely to determine whether Manchester United’s early approach is enough to secure one of this summer’s most coveted midfielders.
