Kone is open to a move to the Premier League and features prominently on United’s shortlist
Manchester United have certainly considered a move for Manu Kone, but where do things stand and could the club actually sign the Roma midfielder?
Reports from sources in France and England are that United have moved ahead of Arsenal in the pursuit of the Kone and that the France international is one of the club’s leading midfield targets after the World Cup.
According to L’Equipe, United are currently in the strongest position to sign the 25-year-old as they continue to assess options to strengthen the centre of their squad. Arsenal remain interested after monitoring Kone for several months, but United are believed to have the edge at this stage.
Kone is understood to be open to a move to the Premier League and would welcome the chance to continue his career in England. The midfielder is said to favour a switch to the north-west of England if an agreement can be reached.
But it is clear this summer that United will not be forced into any business and will certainly make a quiet move for a player if they believe that player is available for a good price and wants to join them.
Currently, Kone features prominently on their shortlist but the club will evaluate the financial aspects of any deal along with other opportunities on the market this summer. Their moves for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have bought them significant time to weigh up their third midfielder carefully before making that signing.
Kone has spent the past two seasons at Roma after leaving Toulouse. He has made 82 appearances for the Serie A club and helped them finish third last season with 73 points. He has won 19 caps for France and played his part in their run to the World Cup semi-finals before their campaign ended with defeat to Spain.
Interest in Kone extends beyond United and Arsenal. Inter have previously been linked with the midfielder, while some other Premier League clubs are also believed to be tracking his situation.
