Updated: 12 Jun 2026 15:18 BST |
5 min read
Arsenal are interested in signing AS Roma star Manu Kone as they press ahead with plans to strengthen their midfield this summer, according to reports in France.
The Gunners are keen to sign a flexible midfielder who can operate as both a No. 6 and a No. 8 ahead of the 2026-27 season, according to BBC Sport, with a host of targets having been linked.
One of them is West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes but the 21-year-old is edging closer to a €92million (£80m) switch to Premier League rivals Manchester United, according to The Times.
A separate report from the same outlet understands Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, though the Ligue 1 club insist it would take a huge offer to prize him away.
As the rumour mill continues to churn, French publication L’Equipe are now reporting that Arsenal are monitoring Roma midfielder Kone, who has been included in France’s World Cup squad.
Kone has been excellent for the Serie A side over the last two seasons, playing a key role in helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s men qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing third in 2025-26.
The 25-year-old moved to the Italian capital on loan with an obligation to buy for €18m (£15.5m) in 2024, having spent the previous four seasons with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach.
In quotes carried by Italian outlet Calciomercato, when asked whether Roma can keep hold of Kone beyond the summer, manager Gasperini said in May: “Modern football, I think, no longer features unsellable players anywhere. Perhaps only in the top, top, top teams in the world.
“Let’s go back to the issue of fourth place, which always makes a difference financially. When faced with unmissable offers, everyone, except a very few, is available. But I don’t know if these unmissable offers are that common; they’re truly rare.
“There are many clear opportunities around. But as for him, he’s a strong player, and I’d like him to continue playing for Roma.
“Why would I say I’d like him to leave? No, I hope he continues. Then, if an unmissable offer were to arrive—I don’t know, perhaps one that would allow him to do other things—we’ll see. Last year was different, but that’s not the case for everyone.”
An alternative report in The Times understands Arsenal hold interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who – according to The Athletic – is valued at €115m (£100m) heading into the summer transfer window, which opens for English clubs on Monday, 15 June.
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