Patrick Vieira has heaped praise on Arsenal target Manu Kone, declaring him the "best midfielder in France." Reports emerging from Italy earlier this month suggested that the 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms on a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's Midfield Priority
Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his midfield options and has pinpointed the 2001-born talent as a priority target, following impressive spells at Roma and Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, Kone was hampered by injuries towards the back end of the season and found himself on the bench for France's Group I opener against Senegal last Tuesday.
He did, however, reclaim his starting berth for the second group fixture against Iraq, catching the eye as Les Bleus cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory. Kone retained his place in the side for the final group stage clash against Norway and was once again a driving force as Didier Deschamps' men swept to a 4-1 triumph, securing nine points from a possible nine to top the group.
Vieira's Verdict
While Kone's most notable qualities remain his defensive contributions - including tackling, interceptions and winning duels - there is considerably more to his game than that. He demonstrated against Norway that he poses a genuine attacking threat too, delivering several incisive forward passes, pushing into advanced positions and inevitably getting his shot away.
Prior to the match, Arsenal legend Vieira heaped praise on Kone and essentially gave the Gunners the go-ahead should they wish to secure his signature this summer. "He had a really good season in Serie A with Roma," Vieira told ITV. "He came to the World Cup after a couple of injuries. It has been quite a difficult season for him."
"He is for me today the best midfielder in France. I'd put him ahead of [Aurelien] Tchouameni and [Adrien] Rabiot, because he has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward."
Competition for Places
When labelled a 'water carrier' by Roy Keane, Vieira swiftly dismissed the notion, saying: "I don't really like that word, water carrier. He will win the ball, but he has something more than the others, as he can play forward. Sometimes Tchouameni can give you a little bit of frustration, too many passes sideways or backwards, but he's got more passes going forward."
Were Arsenal to sign Kone, he would battle it out alongside Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly for a starting berth next season. He has the makings of an ideal partner for Rice, with Kone able to occupy the deeper No. 6 role, freeing Rice to push forward and get into attacking positions.
