Manchester United Target Manu Kone After Tchouameni Deal
Manchester United are preparing to revive their pursuit of Manu Kone after AS Roma put a firm price on the French midfielder and Aurelien Tchouameni closed the door on a Premier League move.
Tchouameni dream fades
At Old Trafford, Tchouameni had been the fantasy signing. The 26-year-old was viewed internally as the ideal successor to Casemiro – just as he had already replaced the Brazilian at Real Madrid in 2022. United sensed an opening. There was a growing belief that Madrid might cash in on the France international to bankroll another marquee midfield arrival, with Rodri and Enzo Fernandez both heavily linked.
That hope evaporated with one conversation.
After talks with Jose Mourinho, who is set to return to the Bernabeu 13 years after his first spell, Tchouameni agreed a new contract and committed his long-term future to the Spanish giants. Any prospect of United prising him away vanished with that decision.
Inside the game, there is a feeling that Tchouameni’s agent – who also represents Kone – had been happy to let United’s interest build, leverage that attention and secure a stronger deal from Madrid. Even so, credible voices maintain that a transfer could have happened if Real had chosen to sell.
They didn’t. And United have been forced to adjust.
United turn to Kone
The pivot leads directly to Rome and to Kone, Tchouameni’s teammate in France’s World Cup squad and, crucially, a player represented by the same agent. Those recent discussions with INEOS are understood to have covered not just Madrid’s midfield anchor, but Roma’s.
According to TEAMtalk, United are now “plotting a move” after being informed of Roma’s £50 million valuation of the 25-year-old. That figure reflects both his importance and his marketability.
Roma, despite cruising to a third-placed finish in Serie A and securing Champions League football, are under pressure to balance the books. The club must raise funds to stay on the right side of UEFA’s financial regulations, and internally Kone is viewed as their most valuable saleable asset.
Sources cited in the report suggest Kone could be available for around £50 million, with intermediaries already sounding out several Premier League heavyweights. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been contacted as potential destinations.
Kone is understood to be receptive to a move to England. A previous report, relayed by The Peoples Person, stated he is “very keen” on joining United specifically.
A midfielder built for England
On paper, the fit is obvious. Kone brings a blend of physicality and ball-carrying that Premier League scouts covet. He relishes duels, drives through midfield lines and carries possession with authority – the kind of profile that can both protect a defence and ignite attacks in the same phase.
His World Cup performances only strengthened that reputation. The 6'1" midfielder showcased the athleticism and technical quality that has drawn admirers across Europe, underlining why he is now seen as a serious option for a club looking to rebuild its engine room.
One moment stands out. In France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in the group stage, Kone started in place of the injured Tchouameni, who missed out with an adductor problem. Didier Deschamps trusted him to step straight into that role. United’s recruitment team appear to be following the same logic: if he can deputise for Tchouameni at international level, he can do the same at club level.
INEOS have even been alerted to the potential availability of another Real Madrid midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga. Yet, according to TEAMtalk, Kone is the one they regard as a “serious option” to strengthen Michael Carrick’s midfield.
Tchouameni has chosen Madrid. Roma need to sell. Kone is ready for a new stage. The question now is whether United move decisively enough to make him the cornerstone of their next midfield era.
