AS Roma have outlined that they will not even enter negotiations over Manu Kone unless any interested clubs, including Manchester United, are prepared to pay £42.5 million.
That’s according to La Republica (via Sport Witness), which adds that the Italian outfit is ready to stand firm in talks – particularly in the aftermath of his stellar World Cup displays.
🇮🇹 Manu Kone: Manchester United transfer timeline started in December
▪️December: Confident #MUFC claims in Italy
▪️June: €40m bargain chance due to Roma pressures
▪️July: Impressive World Cup pushes price to €50m+https://t.co/KZxYkRHi01— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 10, 2026
United set sights on Manu Kone after Aurelien Tchouameni decision
Kone started and played 71 minutes of France’s quarter-final triumph over Morocco on Thursday night, marking his fourth start of the tournament.
Remarkably, he has been favoured over his counterpart Aurelien Tchouameni as of late, whom United are now seeking alternatives for after he decided to commit his future to Real Madrid.
The Red Devils have long admired Tchouameni and had been tipped to try their luck with a move this summer amid Madrid’s squad overhaul. As well as that, the 26-year-old would’ve been entering the penultimate season of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, newly-appointed Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to keep hold of the midfielder, hence opting to have him extend his terms to deter any outside approaches.
That’s why United have now identified Kone, 25, as a like-for-like alternative in the middle of the park.
How Kone has fared as of late
He has spent the last two years with Roma, originally joining on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach before his buy obligation was activated.
A graduate of Toulouse’s academy, Kone has earned 18 senior France caps since making his maiden bow in 2024, and he could well end the month as a world champion if their performances are anything to go by.
🚨🗣️ | Italian journalist Francesca Teodori on Manu Kone:
“It’s not news, but it’s a fairly credible rumour. I’ve been told by multiple sources that he’ll leave Roma in June and join #MUFC .”
ASRomaLive, @Sport_Witness
Manu Kone – 8 minute comp👇pic.twitter.com/eonyHSiD5S
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐭𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 (@TheUtdArchive) December 26, 2025
In the meantime, United wrapped up their £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea on Friday following a successful medical.
INEOS have agreed to pay £48m upfront plus £2m in achievable add-ons. The Brazilian’s deal will run until 2031, plus the option of an additional season.
Andrey Santos with Chelsea last season in all competitions 😮💨
📊 @Sofascore pic.twitter.com/G0UStQGXaW
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 10, 2026
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