Manchester United Lead Race for Roma’s Manu Koné as Talks Officially Begin

FolioPitch.com – 20 July 2026 | Manchester United have officially opened negotiations with Roma for France international Manu Koné, with the Serie A club demanding a fee in the region of €60 million. The development, reported by French outlet L’Equipe, confirms that the Kone talks begin between Manchester United and Roma over 60m star, putting the Premier League giants ahead of Arsenal in the race for the midfielder.

Koné, 24, has been a standout performer for Roma since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024. His performances at the 2026 World Cup in the United States elevated his status further, as he displaced Aurelien Tchouaméni in the starting XI and played a key role in France’s run to the semi-finals. France’s defeat to Spain in the last four came after Koné was dropped, underscoring his importance to the national team.

The Kone talks begin between Manchester United and Roma over 60m star come at a critical juncture for both clubs. United, under new ownership, are seeking to bolster their midfield options after a disappointing campaign. Roma, despite qualifying for the Champions League, need to balance the books and view Koné as their primary asset for a sizeable sale. The Italian club had previously valued the player at €50 million, but his World Cup exploits have driven the price up to at least €60 million.

According to L’Equipe, Manchester United have now moved beyond informal inquiries and are engaged in direct discussions with Roma. This marks a significant step forward, as earlier reports in the Italian press indicated that only the player’s representatives had been contacted. The Old Trafford club’s interest is said to be the strongest among Premier League suitors, with Arsenal also monitoring the situation. Liverpool have been mentioned as a potential rival, but United currently hold the upper hand.

The intensity of the Kone talks begin between Manchester United and Roma over 60m star has increased following United’s decision to pull out of a €45 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Italian media had speculated that the collapse was due to a failed medical, but it now appears that United simply redirected their focus to Koné as their primary Serie A target.

Koné’s versatility in midfield—capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box, or even in a more advanced role—makes him an attractive proposition for Erik ten Hag’s system. His physicality, ball-carrying ability, and tactical intelligence have drawn comparisons to French greats like Patrick Vieira. With United’s midfield in need of rejuvenation, Koné could be the cornerstone of a new era.

Roma, meanwhile, are under pressure to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and to reinvest in other areas of the squad. The departure of Koné, who joined the club for around €30 million, would yield a significant profit. While manager José Mourinho would be reluctant to lose a key player, the financial incentive is too great to ignore.

The competition for Koné remains open, but the fact that Kone talks begin between Manchester United and Roma over 60m star suggests that a deal could be reached soon. Arsenal, who finished above United in the Premier League last season, may attempt to hijack the move, but United’s proactive approach has given them an edge. As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Old Trafford and the Stadio Olimpico as negotiations progress.

In conclusion, the outcome of these talks will have significant implications for both clubs. For Manchester United, securing Koné would be a statement of intent, signaling their ambition to return to the top of English and European football. For Roma, the sale would provide the financial breathing room needed to reinforce the squad under Mourinho. Fans on both sides will be watching closely as the saga unfolds.