Roma midfielder Manu Kone has made it clear his preference is to join a Premier League club this summer, having already turned down a move to Atletico Madrid. The 25-year-old French international is enjoying an impressive World Cup campaign, delivering a standout midfield performance as Les Bleus secured a semi-final spot with a victory over Morocco.
Manchester United step up interest after Ederson blow
Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Kone after their proposed move for Atalanta's Ederson fell through. A fee of £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons had been agreed in June, and the Brazilian underwent an initial medical before being called up to his country's World Cup squad as a late replacement for injured right-back Wesley. However, following Brazil's elimination, Ederson had a second medical with United, after which the Premier League side informed Atalanta they would not proceed with the deal.
According to reports in Italy, United's interest in Kone has escalated considerably over the last 24 hours. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club has identified the France international as their next midfield target and is now preparing a 'significant' offer. Roma are demanding €50 million (£42.6 million) for the player.
Arsenal and Newcastle also in the race
Arsenal have also shown interest in signing Kone, with Mikel Arteta eager to reinforce his midfield options. However, the Gunners appear to be focusing their attention on a deal for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes. Newcastle themselves remain interested in Kone, while Atletico Madrid were prioritising a move for him at the end of June. But Kone's preference for a Premier League move has seen Atletico turn to Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand instead.
United's midfield rebuild
Manchester United are seeking to rebuild their midfield this summer and want to sign at least two midfielders, possibly three, with Manuel Ugarte now facing a spell on the sidelines. The club is also wrapping up a move for another Brazilian, Andrey Santos, who will join from Chelsea for £50 million. Manager Michael Carrick wants up to three new midfielders added to his squad this summer.
Vieira hails Kone as France's best midfielder
Kone's performances at the World Cup have enhanced his reputation, with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira already a huge admirer. Vieira believes Kone's skillset surpasses that of Aurelien Tchouameni. 'He has come into the World Cup with a couple of injuries and it has been a quite difficult season for him,' Vieira told ITV ahead of France's game against Norway. 'But he is for me, the best midfielder in France today. I would put him ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot because he has got this mobility to move around the pitch. He is aggressive, he is a ball winner and he has got this technical ability to be part of the build-up. He can break lines and play forward.'
