Roma need to raise around €50m and Kone is one of the players who could generate a major profit.
Arsenal have reportedly returned to Manu Kone’s camp as Roma consider selling key players before the end of June to meet the terms of their UEFA settlement agreement.
According to Corriere della Sera, Arsenal first made a move for the 25-year-old a few months ago and have now “come back again”, contacting his entourage.
Roma have not yet received a formal bid, but the report presents Arsenal as one of the main clubs seriously tracking the midfielder.
Roma are said to need around €50m in capital gains by June 30, which has placed several saleable players under scrutiny.
Kone and Matias Soule are highlighted as two of the clearest candidates because their remaining book values are low, around €15m each, compared with the fees Roma could demand.
Kone is valued by Roma at between €40m and €50m, meaning a sale would create a significant profit on their books.
That financial pressure gives Arsenal a possible opening, particularly with the Italian club actively weighing up which assets could be moved before the deadline.
The France international joined Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach in June 2024 for €18m and has mostly been used as a central midfielder, operating as a No 6 or No 8 hybrid.
Kone is currently at the World Cup with France, which keeps him visible at a time when Roma’s financial position may force them into decisions they would otherwise prefer to avoid.
- Arsenal move leaves Newcastle facing major Guimarães decisionBruno Guimarães wants Arsenal, but Newcastle’s stance, Arsenal’s silence and a growing battle over price have left the deal finely balanced.
- Former Gunner to terminate AC Milan contract by mutual consentFormer Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer is set to terminate his AC Milan contract by mutual consent, as Qatari side Al-Shamal Sports Club push to sign him.
- Manchester City to sign Arsenal talentManchester City have succeeded in their push to lure Mishel Nduka away from Arsenal, according to a report.
- 1 detail remains to be agreed in Trossard-Besiktas dealLeandro Trossard’s Besiktas move is moving closer, with his representatives called to Istanbul for final contract talks.
- What we learned from the Arsenal u21s’ pre-season returnThe Arsenal u21s have returned to London Colney for pre-season, with David Horseman seemingly in charge of the team on an interim basis.