Man Utd win race for France World Cup surprise Kone ahead of Arsenal and Saudi interest

Manchester United have reached an initial agreement to sign Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, moving to the front of the queue ahead of Arsenal and a leading Saudi Pro League club.

The 25-year-old, who emerged as one of the surprise stars of the 2026 World Cup with a series of standout performances for France, has been tracked by several major European sides throughout the summer window.

Arsenal had expressed strong interest in the player, while reports also indicated that Chelsea held discussions with his representatives over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

According to the English newspaper Metro, Old Trafford has now become the most likely destination for Kone, with United continuing a significant rebuild of their midfield after already bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

Manager Michael Carrick is keen to add a third midfielder as United prepare for their return to the elite level of the UEFA Champions League next season, and he has maintained regular contact with Kone’s camp in recent weeks.

United move into pole position

French outlet L’Equipe reported earlier this week that Manchester United held “the advantage” in the race to sign Kone, adding that the midfielder would welcome a move to the Premier League club.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport went further on Thursday, stating that an agreement in principle has been reached between United and the player, with Roma now waiting for an official offer from the English side.

Roma had initially set Kone’s asking price at €50m (£42m) for this summer’s transfer window, a figure United were understood to be willing to approach with their opening proposal.

However, Corriere dello Sport reports that the Serie A club have now raised their valuation to €60m (£51m) as interest in the France international has intensified.

Saudi interest as Roma await formal bid

Al Ahli from the Saudi Pro League also contacted Roma earlier in the window about taking Kone to the Roshn Saudi League this summer, underlining the level of global demand for the midfielder.

Those talks did not progress to an advanced stage, with Manchester United now considered close to finalising the deal if they can meet Roma’s asking price and convert the initial agreement with the player into a full contract.

Kone’s displays at the 2026 World Cup significantly enhanced his reputation, turning him into one of the most talked-about midfielders on the market and triggering the competition between United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Al Ahli.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Kone forms part of a broader strategy to reshape Carrick’s midfield options, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

While all parties are awaiting a formal bid, Roma’s revised valuation and United’s readiness to submit an offer close to that figure suggest negotiations could move quickly as the summer window progresses.