Chelsea turn to Roma’s Manu Kone as Enzo Fernandez exit edges closer

Chelsea are close to signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone for about £52m as they continue talks with Manchester City over the possible sale of Enzo Fernandez.

The proposed move would give Chelsea an immediate replacement for Fernandez, who is himself nearing a move to Manchester City in a deal thought to be worth around £140m.

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea are approaching an agreement with Roma for the France international, with negotiations taking place at the same time as discussions over Fernandez’s future. The two clubs are also considering a deal that would see English winger Jamie Gittens join Roma on loan as part of the wider negotiations.

Kone’s potential switch to Stamford Bridge would also represent a setback for Real Madrid, who have identified the midfielder as one of their leading long-term targets for the centre of the pitch.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid scouts have been monitoring Kone for some time and attended Roma matches to assess his performances. The 25-year-old had been included on the club’s shortlist of midfielders who could strengthen their squad in future transfer windows.

Real Madrid had decided not to make any further signings during the current transfer window, but had kept Kone’s situation under review with a view to a possible move later on. The club also expected Premier League sides to compete for his signature, and Chelsea’s interest has now developed into a potential agreement.

Kone is contracted to Roma until the summer of 2029 and is regarded as one of the leading defensive midfielders in Europe. His game is built around his strength in winning possession and challenging for the ball, alongside an intelligent pressing style and a high level of passing accuracy.

His passing success rate reached 90% in Serie A last season, further strengthening his reputation as a technically reliable holding midfielder.

Kone also enhanced his standing with France during the 2026 World Cup. He stepped in for the absent Aurelien Tchouameni and impressed in matches against Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco.

Should the transfer to Chelsea be completed, Kone would be removed from Real Madrid’s list of future midfield targets just as the Spanish club had been keeping the possibility of a move open.

The deal would therefore have significance beyond Chelsea’s need to replace Fernandez. It could reshape the plans of three clubs, with Chelsea seeking to refresh their midfield, Manchester City pursuing Fernandez and Real Madrid potentially losing one of their favoured options for the years ahead.

A completed agreement for Kone could become one of the biggest surprises of the final hours of the summer transfer window.