​Reports from the UK claim that Roma midfielder Manu Kone has emerged as a serious option for Manchester United this summer, even though the club has already completed deals for two new midfielders—Ederson from Atalanta and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. The Premier League outfit appears eager to strengthen its engine room during the off-season, and according to TeamTalk, they are seeking to provide head coach Michael Carrick with a third new midfielder.
Manchester United have already sealed a €58.5 million (£50 million) transfer for Chelsea’s Santos, while Ederson is currently undergoing further medical tests with United’s medical team in the UK ahead of a potential €45 million move from Atalanta. Graeme Bailey of TeamTalk reports that United still possess the budget to add a third midfield signing this summer, with Manu Kone of Roma identified as a ‘serious’ option.
Kone, who has attracted transfer speculation from Roma amid the club’s ongoing financial fair play restrictions under UEFA, is one of the players linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico this summer. Italian media have repeatedly connected the France international with a high-profile switch, including interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. While initial rumours cited a €50 million price tag, TeamTalk notes that following Kone’s prominent performance for France at the 2026 World Cup, his value could have shifted closer to €58.5 million (£50 million).
News of Kone’s possible exit comes amid the broader context of Roma’s financial constraints and the club’s desire to balance its squad ahead of the new season. For United, the potential addition of Kone would further bolster a midfield that already features young talents and established recruits. As Ederson continues through medicals and Santos settles into Premier League life, United’s activity in the market signals a clear intent to reinforce the midfield spine for the campaign ahead.
In Italy, the off-season chatter has consistently tied Kone to a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, with several outlets highlighting the Ligue of big clubs as potential destinations. If United presses ahead, a deal for Kone would represent a strategic investment in a player who has demonstrated quality on the international stage and could adapt to the English top flight’s demands. As talks develop, Manchester United fans will be watching closely to see whether Kone’s name surfaces again in official negotiations or if the club pivots to alternate targets.
Overall, the United transfer strategy this summer appears to hinge on expanding the midfield, leveraging both the proven acquisitions of Santos and Ederson and the ongoing pursuit of additional talent such as Manu Kone, who has risen in prominence after a standout World Cup campaign and sustained interest from major European clubs. The coming weeks will determine whether Kone becomes United’s third midfield addition or if the club redirects its focus to other alternatives in the market.