Arsenal have reportedly agree personal terms with Roma midfielder Manu Kone ahead of a potential move this summer transfer window.
Kone who is currently away on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup has emerged as Arsenal’s primary target this summer. The club are reportedly seeking an alternative for Martin Odegaard who struggled with injury last season.
While reports from Corriere della Sera claim Kone initially favoured a lucrative move to Paris Saint-Germain and subsequently rejected interest from Atletico Madrid, the French champions showing no desire to formalise their interest.
Manu KONE will represent France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Arsenal have now capitalise on the opening to negotiate an agreement with the player’s entourage over a move to the Emirates.
Roma are under intense pressure to sanction a sale before June 30 to satisfy strict Financial Fair Play obligations, a situation Arsenal believe will work in their advantage.
The Seria A club originally established a firm €50 million valuation for their star midfielder, who has thrived under Gian Piero Gasperini. However, their current need to balance the books before the end-of-month deadline, might see them accept €45 million.
Roma might be forced to sanction Manu Koné’s sale this summer. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly views the powerful 25-year-old as an ideal tactical solution to ease the defensive burden currently placed on England midfielder Declan Rice.
Kone’s exceptional ability to circulate the ball forward at high speed could inject extra urgency into Arsenal’s engine room.
This addition would offer a highly distinct technical alternative to Martin Zubimendi, whose slower playing style has increasingly been deemed an awkward fit for Arteta’s fluid system.
Kone’s representatives are determined to push the transfer through rapidly before Roma’s financial deadline at the end of the month.
Arsenal must now carefully finalise the timing and structure of their official opening bid to ensure they wrap up the marquee signing smoothly.
