Manu Kone is back on the Premier League radar, and this time it is Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool doing the looking.
David Ornstein, the transfer reporter whose Athletic briefings tend to move the market, placed Liverpool alongside the France international’s other suitors on Tuesday.
“Manu Kone from Roma. He came very close to joining Chelsea before they pivoted to Camara,” Ornstein said.
“I think Liverpool like him as well as one of their potential future options.”
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Why Chelsea walked away
Kone was, by Sky Sports’ account, the target of a £52m bid that Chelsea and Roma discussed in the closing week of the summer window. Gasperini did not want to sell, and the Italian’s reluctance became the obstacle the Blues could not shift.
Chelsea moved on to Monaco’s Lamine Camara, agreed a £47m fee, and then watched that transfer collapse on deadline night when Monaco refused to sign the paperwork before the 11pm cut-off.
What it means for Iraola
At Anfield, the midfield picture is thinner than it was three months ago. Curtis Jones left for Inter Milan in a £30m deal on 21 August, ending his time at his boyhood club.
Alexis Mac Allister added to the uncertainty this week, telling reporters that the club had not offered him a new contract despite his current deal running only to 2028.
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“I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which of course makes me very, very sad because I think everyone can see that I give my 100% for this football club every single day in training, games,” Mac Allister said.
Ornstein framed the Kone interest as part of the same broader planning.
“I think there’s interest in Kone of Roma, and they’ll have other options as well. Don’t forget they’ve got Trey Nyoni there, who’s really impressing.”
United still in the queue
Kone was Manchester United’s priority midfield target during the summer, with the club reportedly preparing a bid, per La Gazzetta dello Sport, before the window closed. United did not land him, but the file has not been closed either.
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Roma’s own position is dictated by financials. Gasperini has been open about it.
“It is undeniable that Roma have to balance the books. I hope that reaching the Champions League will be enough, but it is clear that balance sheets are essential for clubs, and there will be more clarity in the coming weeks,” the Italian said.
Iraola, who was appointed on 4 June after replacing Arne Slot, inherits a chase already contested by at least two other Premier League clubs. The next window in which he can act opens in January.
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