Xabi Alonso is yet to take over at Chelsea, but the noise suggests he is hard at work, like overseeing possible new signings. The latest player supposedly on Chelsea’s radar is in France’s World Cup squad.
Priorities for Chelsea this summer include replacing Marc Cucurella and likely, Enzo Fernandez. Alonso will also want a new goalkeeper, the centre-back position sorted out, a left-winger and a new centre-forward.
How many points are Chelsea taking out of a possible 1️⃣2️⃣?
While Tottenham make an early start in the summer window, Chelsea are yet to make any incomings. But the Blues have waved goodbye to Marc Cucurella and Jimmy-Jay Morgan, raking in a combined £56m.
A new midfielder is likely this summer, with Fernandez expected to go and possibly Romeo Lavia too, with Monaco making a bid for the ex-Southampton star. One new option to emerge is Roma’s Manu Kone.
Chelsea join Arsenal in race to sign Manu Kone
According to Corriere Della Sera, Chelsea have joined Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Roma and France star Kone. The 25-year-old is currently with France’s World Cup squad, playing back-up.
Kone has enjoyed a wonderful couple of seasons with Roma, since joining the Italian side initially on loan in the summer of 2024, before signing permanently a year later. Roma paid Gladbach a bargain £15m.
He is renowned for his lung-busting stamina and work rate, his ability to drive with the ball from deep and his precise transitional passing. He ranked in the 95th percentile for forward passing last season.
While Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will be able to offer Champions League football going into the 2026-27 season, Chelsea can provide Kone with a starting spot; something the other two may struggle to offer.
Roma want Manu Kone sale as early as next week
Roma will not want to lose Kone, but according to reports, they may have to. As we have seen in the past couple of seasons, the Financial Fairplay deadline comes into effect on June 30th – or a week on Monday.
They’ve both made good starts to the World Cup, but who do you prefer: Noni Madueke or Pedro Neto?
Who's the better player and why? 🤔
Like many other clubs, Roma have to sell before that date – with the Italian giants currently €60m in the red. Roma rate Kone at €50m, and would like to cash in before the Financial Fairplay deadline next week.
It means that Chelsea, Arsenal or Atletico Madrid may make their move in the next few days in order to land the midfielder. A player that is represented by ESN, the same agency that look after Mike Maignan.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
