Real Madrid keep watch on Roma’s Manu Kone as midfield plans take shape

Real Madrid are continuing to monitor Roma midfielder Manu Kone, with the 25-year-old Frenchman already included on the Spanish club’s list of potential future midfield targets.

According to AS, Real Madrid scouts followed Kone’s performance in Roma’s opening Serie A match on Monday, when Daniele De Rossi’s side recorded a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina.

Kone is under contract with Roma until 2029. He joined the Italian club in 2024, shortly after Jose Mourinho’s departure as manager. His current market value is estimated at about 60m euros.

The midfielder previously played for Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Italy. He has won 19 caps for France and made a positive impression at the 2026 World Cup, starting against Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco after Aurelien Tchouameni suffered an injury.

Kone’s game is built primarily around his defensive qualities. He is regarded as a strong ball-winner who is effective in physical duels and tackles, while also possessing the intelligence to apply pressure to opponents at the right moments.

His physical strength, work-rate and influence across the pitch are complemented by a reliable ability to use the ball and make good decisions in possession. He completed 90% of his passes during last season’s Serie A campaign.

Those characteristics are understood to fit the type of midfielder Mourinho values, although Real Madrid are not planning to make a move for Kone – or any other player – during the current summer transfer window.

Real Madrid consider their recruitment business complete for this window, even if one or more players leave the club before it closes. The Spanish club is, however, preparing for the possibility that a Premier League side could make a significant move for one of its midfielders.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all looking for midfield reinforcements, while the futures of Eduardo Camavinga and Tchouameni have featured in that wider discussion.

Regardless of what happens with Camavinga or Tchouameni, Real Madrid’s present intention is not to sign any additional players before the end of the current transfer period.

Any decision to pursue Kone would therefore be made during a future transfer window rather than this summer. His long-term contract and reported 60m-euro valuation mean Roma would be in a strong negotiating position if interest develops into a formal approach.

For now, Real Madrid’s focus remains on monitoring the French international’s progress, including his performances in Serie A, rather than attempting to complete an immediate deal.