Arsenal not targeting Roma midfielder Manu Kone

Arsenal have distanced themselves from reported interest in Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Club sources say the 25-year-old Frenchman is not considered a target for the Gunners this summer, even as they plan to sign at least one new central midfielder.

Kone joined AS Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach on 30 August 2024, initially on loan with an obligation to buy for €18 million plus up to €2 million in bonuses, on a five-year deal through June 2029. He made his Serie A debut on 1 September 2024 against Juventus, earned his first start on 15 September versus Genoa under Daniele De Rossi, and later provided midfield stability amid multiple coaching changes.

Arsenal are waiting to name their primary midfield target, with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott emerging as intriguing long-list options. Their undisputed priority is a left winger, though they are monitoring Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa and PSG’s Bradley Barcola.

The club has been in direct contact with several midfielders but has not entered formal club-to-club talks yet. Koné himself recently said he would discuss his future after the World Cup.