Manchester United and Chelsea are locked in a battle to sign AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old French international significantly raised his profile during the 2026 World Cup, where France reached the semi-finals under manager Didier Deschamps.
Kone’s performances on the international stage have attracted serious attention from two of England’s biggest clubs, making him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe this summer.
Manchester United had initially appeared to be the frontrunners in the race for Kone, with reports suggesting the club had reached an agreement in principle for the French star.
United’s interest in a new defensive midfielder intensified following the collapse of a deal for Ederson, who failed a medical at Old Trafford before negotiations were withdrawn entirely.
With that pursuit abandoned, United’s hierarchy quickly turned their attention to Kone, identifying the Roma man as their primary midfield target for the remainder of the window.
It is understood that United have already approached Kone’s camp and “found out his total willingness for the transfer,” despite the player reportedly harbouring ambitions of joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea then complicated United’s plans by making fresh enquiries to Roma over the availability of the 19-cap France international, threatening to hijack the deal entirely.
The Blues are already in discussions with Roma over a separate deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, and talks regarding Kone’s availability emerged alongside those initial negotiations.
Atletico Madrid had previously tested Roma’s resolve by submitting a proposal worth €43 million, which was rejected outright by the Serie A club.
Roma are holding firm on a valuation of around €50 million, equivalent to approximately £43 million, leaving Chelsea and United to consider whether to meet those demands.
Kone demonstrated his quality in Serie A last season, registering two goals and three assists in 29 appearances while maintaining an impressive 90.4 per cent pass completion rate.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Kone’s future remains unresolved as Roma weigh up whether to sell before the transfer window closes.
United are described as seriously impressed by the Frenchman’s qualities, with that determination to sign him only hardening once Chelsea emerged as a genuine rival in the race.