Roma raise Manu Koné asking price to £86m, ending United's transfer hopes

Roma have set an £86m price tag on France international Manu Koné, effectively pricing out Manchester United and Chelsea after a summer of reported interest in the 25-year-old midfielder.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A club rejected a Chelsea approach worth around €60m (£51.6m) before the summer window closed and have since raised their valuation to at least €100m (£86m) for any future negotiations.

United had been credited with interest in Koné as they sought to reinforce their midfield, but ultimately moved in a different direction, completing permanent signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba during the summer window. With three midfielders already added, a move for Koné was never formalised.

Chelsea appeared to be the more active suitor, pursuing Koné in the closing stages of the window — particularly after Enzo Fernandez completed a £125m switch to Manchester City — while Monaco’s Lamine Camara was also on their radar on deadline day. Neither deal materialised.

Koné’s profile rose sharply after an impressive showing for France at the World Cup, which intensified speculation around his future at Roma. The club’s decision to significantly increase his valuation suggests they are in no hurry to sell and are prepared to hold firm heading into the January window and beyond.

For United, the midfield recruitment drive appears complete for now, though the club did leave themselves short at left-back. Tyrell Malacia departed as a free agent at the end of last season and no replacement was signed, leaving Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu as the only senior options in that position until at least January.

United return to Premier League action on 10 October when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford following the international break.