​Manchester United are facing a fresh complication in their pursuit of a third midfielder this summer as AS Roma have raised their asking price for Manu Koné to £51 million, up from £43 million only a few weeks ago. The escalation comes amid inquiries from Liverpool and Arsenal, according to Corriere dello Sport reporter Eleonora Trotta, who said the French midfielder’s representatives have been in touch with several Premier League clubs as Koné seeks a move that would represent a step up in both profile and salary. This marks the second price increase Roma have imposed within a short period, underscoring the club’s resolve to secure a fee that matches their valuation.
UNited’s interest in Koné has been watched closely, with Trotta suggesting United have made the most progress among the interested parties thus far. Yet no suitor—whether United, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Arsenal—has emerged as a clear frontrunner, and Roma have been explicit that they will negotiate only on their own terms, ready to sanction a sale only if their valuation is met. The overarching question for INEOS and United remains whether Roma are genuinely fielding competing offers or attempting to spark a bidding war aimed specifically at inflating the fee they extract from United.
Liverpool’s recent spending has been substantial, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans already secured, and midfield was always identified as a priority area. The plan to sign a physically imposing, high-coverage midfielder who can shield the back four makes Koné an attractive fit for the Reds, should the price come within a workable range. The urgency is underlined by Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury, which has ruled him out of preseason and pushes the need for a third central midfielder higher on the agenda. Carlos Baleba remains a backup option, though Brighton’s valuation has proven resistant to lower bids, and Sander Berge has been flagged as a potential cheaper alternative if the budget needs to stretch further than other options allow.
INEOS’s stance will likely tighten or loosen in response to what United can raise in potential outgoings. If Roma hold firm at £51m and either Liverpool or Arsenal escalate their interest into formal bids, United may be compelled to meet the fee or face a decision to reallocate part of their budget elsewhere. The dynamic is fluid, and the balance of power could shift quickly depending on how strongly clubs push their bids and what United are prepared to sacrifice in terms of incoming or outgoing transfers.
In the broader context, United’s pursuit of a third central midfielder remains a priority as they assemble a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. With Ugarte sidelined during preseason, the demand for depth and quality in the middle of the park is clear, fueling the readiness of United to act decisively if a favorable deal presents itself. The coming days could see Roma’s price point tested more directly as rivals increase their interest and formal bids, potentially reshaping the market dynamics around Koné and the broader midfield market this summer.