Chelsea could rival Manchester United for Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, with uncertainty surrounding the future of £100million-rated Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge.
United's midfield search
The Reds have been heavily linked with Kone as they look to strengthen their midfield, following Casemiro's exit and with Manuel Ugarte facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
Kone impressed for France at the World Cup this summer, helping his nation to a fourth-placed finish in North America. France lost to Spain in the semi-finals and were beaten by England in the third-place play-off.
Roma's stance on Kone
Reports in France last month claimed United had opened talks with Roma over a deal, but faced competition from Premier League champions Arsenal. Now Italian publication Il Messaggero, via Voce Giallo Rossa, claim Chelsea could join the race, having monitored Kone for months amid Fernandez's uncertain future.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini recently addressed questions about potential departures, saying: "I don't know. We have a CEO now, and you'll have to ask him these transfer market questions. Asking him what Roma can and can't do. As for the numbers and transfer market possibilities, the ball is in his court."
Kone's impact and price tag
Kone made 37 appearances across all competitions for Roma last season, helping the Italian side finish third in Serie A and qualify for the Champions League.
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport has previously reported that Roma's stance on Kone remains firm, with €55million (£47m) set as the absolute minimum asking price. Even an offer of €50m (£42.5m) would not be enough, according to the report.
In mid-June, reports emerged that Arsenal had agreed personal terms with Kone. Corriere della Sera reported that the Gunners held talks with his representatives, but no agreement has been reached with Roma.
