Manchester City have identified Roma midfielder Manu Koné as a potential target as Enzo Maresca continues reshaping his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.
The move has emerged after Manchester United cooled their pursuit of the France international, with Koné's reported €60 million asking price understood to have contributed to United stepping back.
[Football Italia +1]
For City, however, the situation could present an opportunity.
Koné suddenly enters City's midfield plans
City's midfield has undergone significant change this summer.
Rodri has moved to Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders has also left the club. City have already invested heavily in Elliot Anderson and are reportedly close to bringing in Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.
[The Guardian +1]
Yet Maresca appears to want another midfielder capable of adding energy and physicality.
That is where Koné enters the picture.
The 25-year-old has established himself as an important player for Roma and France, combining athleticism with the ability to carry the ball through midfield.
Why City like the Roma midfielder
Koné's profile could make him particularly attractive to City.
The midfielder is comfortable playing in a more defensive role but can also drive forward with possession, giving a team greater dynamism in the middle of the pitch.
His performances for France at the 2026 World Cup have also strengthened his reputation. He started four matches during France's tournament campaign, adding major international experience to his club career.
[The Guardian]
For a City side attempting to rebuild after Rodri's departure, that combination could be valuable.
United's exit could open the door
Manchester United had previously identified Koné as one of their options for a third midfield signing.
Sky Sports reported last month that United were strongly considering both Koné and Carlos Baleba as they searched for another midfielder.
[Sky Sports]
However, United have since moved for Brighton's Baleba, submitting a reported £65 million offer, making Koné less central to their plans.
[The Guardian]
That has potentially left the door open for City.
With United no longer pushing as strongly and Roma reportedly valuing Koné around £50m-£51m, City could now explore whether a deal is possible.
But City have other midfield options
Koné is not City's only possibility.
The club remain interested in Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, although his reported £120m valuation represents a significant obstacle.
[Talksport]
City are also reportedly hopeful of completing the Bouaddi deal.
That means Koné could ultimately become one part of a wider midfield recruitment strategy rather than an isolated replacement for Rodri.
The club's spending has already been substantial, with Anderson arriving for a club-record £116m.
A transfer race worth watching
Koné's situation is therefore becoming increasingly interesting.
United's pursuit has cooled, while City have now emerged as a potential destination.
There is no agreement between City and Roma, and the reported asking price means negotiations would still have to develop considerably before the midfielder gets anywhere near the Etihad.
But with Maresca determined to rebuild his midfield, Koné has suddenly moved from being primarily a Manchester United target to a player Manchester City are seriously considering.
And if City decide to act, Roma could soon find themselves facing a very different transfer situation.
Fan Debate
●⚽ Goal: Would Manu Koné be a good addition to Manchester City's midfield?
●🔥 Fire: Could Koné help City replace what they lost with Rodri's departure?
●😲 Shock: Should City choose Koné over a blockbuster move for Enzo Fernández?
●👍 Like: Is £50m-£51m a fair price for Koné?
●💬 Comment: Who should Manchester City sign next for their midfield?
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