Roma have set a €55 million (£47 million) asking price for Manchester United and Arsenal target Manu Kone, according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport. The Serie A club insists that even an offer of €50 million (£42.5 million) would be rejected, as they seek to maximise capital gains under Financial Fair Play regulations.
United's Midfield Crisis Deepens
Manchester United are in urgent need of midfield reinforcements following Casemiro's departure and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte. With Kobbie Mainoo still at the World Cup with England, manager Michael Carrick could start the pre-season friendly against Wrexham on July 18 with Mason Mount as the only recognised senior midfielder.
The Reds are close to completing a £48 million deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos, but a move for Atalanta's Ederson has stalled. A £38 million fee had been agreed with Atalanta in early June, and the Brazilian hinted during the World Cup that the transfer was all but confirmed. However, multiple reports on Friday evening claimed Ederson failed a medical, though the Manchester Evening News understands the club do not consider the move off.
Arsenal's Interest and Kone's Form
Arsenal reportedly agreed personal terms with Kone in mid-June, according to Corriere della Sera. The Gunners held talks with the Frenchman's representatives and reached an agreement for a post-World Cup move. Kone, 25, has impressed for France at the tournament, where they face Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening (8pm BST).
Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have also shown interest in the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder. Kone's future is expected to become clearer after the World Cup final on July 19.
Other Midfield Targets Fall Through
United's search for midfielders has been plagued by setbacks. A move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson collapsed when it became apparent the fee would exceed £110 million. The club then targeted West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, but the Portuguese joined Tottenham Hotspur for a guaranteed £85 million.
Carrick will hope for new additions before United's pre-season friendlies against Wrexham, Rosenberg in Trondheim, and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm between July 18 and August 1.
