Why Manu Koné’s €70m Chelsea move collapsed despite agreement with Roma

France midfielder Manu Koné came close to joining Chelsea on transfer deadline day before the proposed €70m move collapsed.

The 25-year-old had reportedly reached an agreement to move to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea and Roma also agreed verbally on a fee for the midfielder.

According to Foot Mercato, the Premier League club agreed to pay €70m for Koné – €25m more than Roma’s initial asking price.

However, the deal ultimately failed to materialise after the Italian club were unable to secure a replacement before the transfer window closed.

Chelsea step up interest late in window

Chelsea reportedly intensified their pursuit of Koné late in the transfer window after encountering complications in their attempt to complete a deal involving Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

The Blues subsequently turned their attention towards the Roma player and moved quickly to reach an agreement with the Serie A side.

The report also claims that Xabi Alonso, who was keen to work with Koné, sought information about the midfielder from his former player and France international Kylian Mbappé.

Despite the progress made between all parties, Roma’s concerns over losing one of their key midfielders proved decisive.

Roma unable to secure replacement

Roma explored several options as they attempted to find a suitable replacement for Koné.

The Italian side were reportedly unsuccessful in their approaches for AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana and Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

With no replacement secured, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini was unwilling to sanction the departure of the French international.

That decision brought an end to Chelsea’s hopes of completing one of the more significant deadline-day moves involving a French and African-linked football star.

Koné remains in Serie A

Koné had reportedly agreed to join Chelsea and was prepared to begin a new chapter in the Premier League.

Instead, the midfielder remains at Roma after the Giallorossi decided they could not afford to lose him without strengthening their squad.

The failed transfer represents another major late-window development for Chelsea, while Koné will now continue his career in Serie A under Gasperini.