Roma midfielder Manu Kone has been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal
Manu Kone has admitted he is “only thinking about the World Cup” amid transfer links with Arsenal.
The Gunners are said to be fond of the Roma midfielder, who made 37 appearances for the Serie A side last season, contributing two goals and three assists. The 25-year-old is currently part of the France squad, although he did not get onto the pitch during the 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday.
Earlier this week, Italian outlet Corriere della Sera reported that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Manu Kone as Mikel Arteta eyes the midfielder ahead of the new season. According to the outlet, the north Londoners have already held talks with Kone’s representatives and agreed personal terms over a summer move. Any deal could cost around £43million, it is said.
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The midfielder played for Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Roma in 2024, where he signed a five-year contract. L’Equipe reported last week that Kone is ‘expected to leave’ Roma this summer, with Inter Milan among the clubs interested.
Kone, though, is not currently thinking about his future. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Honestly, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup. It’s my first major international competition, a tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing in.
“I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We’ll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens.”
football.london understands Arsenal want to sign a full-back, midfielder and attacker during the summer transfer window. Ayyoub Bouaddi, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are among the midfielders to have been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium.
Kone helped Roma finish third in Serie A last season and the midfielder has previously insisted he likes living in the city. Speaking a few months after his move in 2024, he said: “I would like to thank the fans for how they welcomed me. I feel very good here and their support during the games motivates me.
“They are passionate fans, in love with the club. I hope they continue to encourage us because we must continue our climb in the league table.”
“Rome is obviously a beautiful city. I have already toured Rome with my family. I have gone around the shops doing some shopping. I still have to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican. I hope to have this opportunity soon, but playing every three days at the moment is complicated.”
