Overview
- Manchester United have held direct talks with Manu Kone’s representatives and AS Roma and are viewed as leading suitors after adding midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
- Patrice Evra publicly told Kone on Monday that Arsenal would suit him, saying the midfielder has the physical profile Mikel Arteta could use to best effect.
- Arsenal remain focused on signing Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, with reports that the club has pushed Guimarães to the top of their midfield shopping list and received backing from Claude Makelele.
- Clubs disagree on Kone’s price and risk: Roma have been reported to value him around £51m while lower estimates such as £43m appear elsewhere, and several outlets note a history of fitness issues.
- No transfer has been completed and Kone’s World Cup boost has raised demand and asking prices, meaning both clubs must weigh cost, medical risk and squad needs before the Premier League season starts.