Chelsea targets Manu Koné as AS Roma plays at Lecce

Chelsea has expressed interest in Manu Koné in the final hours of the summer transfer window, according to reports on Monday. The 25-year-old AS Roma midfielder has become the Blues’ top target after negotiations for Lamine Camara fell through.

Long linked with Manchester United — who ultimately signed Carlos Baleba at a high price — the French international finds himself in an uncertain situation as he begins his third season in Serie A. His strong performances with France during the 2026 World Cup have apparently whetted Premier League appetites.

On the pitch, Koné is making his second consecutive start with the Giallorossi on Monday evening, for the trip to Lecce (18:30). Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has kept the same eleven that dominated Fiorentina 4-0 on matchday one: Koné is again paired with Bryan Cristante in midfield, while Donyell Malen — who scored a hat-trick against Viola — is supported by Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé in attack.

Several summer signings start on the bench instead. Leonardo Balerdi, who arrived on loan from Marseille, will have to wait before earning a place alongside Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini in central defence. Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo Mora are also substitutes, while young Emanuele Lulli occupies the right flank. For Lecce, Willem Geubbels is starting up front once again.