Chelsea make Manu Koné a priority amid Enzo Fernández exit speculation

Chelsea are looking to sign Manu Koné, the midfielder from AS Roma and the France national team, in the final hours of the transfer window, as Enzo Fernández is nearing a move to Manchester City.

Manu Koné has had an impressive season with AS Roma, featuring in 37 matches across all competitions. He has also strengthened his position with France, regularly participating with Didier Deschamps during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

His performances have attracted the interest of several European clubs, as Atlético previously made a €40 million offer for him, but AS Roma rejected it. The Italian club currently values the player between €50 and €60 million.

According to "Foot Mercato", Chelsea have contacted Manu Koné's representatives to discuss the possibility of signing him, and the French player has become a priority for the London club in midfield to replace Enzo Fernández, with Lamine Camara also among the options being considered.

Chelsea are still in the early stages of communication with Manu Koné's camp, without entering into advanced negotiations so far, while AS Roma are holding onto the player, who is under contract until June 2029, and the Italian club has not received any official offers for his transfer.

Chelsea need to act quickly if they want to turn their interest in Koné into a genuine attempt to sign him before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening, especially with the transfer of Enzo Fernández to Manchester City still pending.