Chelsea are working to sign AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez if the Argentine star leaves on the transfer deadline day.
According to Foot Mercato, the Blues only have their attention on Kone as a transfer target and might not be interested in AS Monaco’s Senegalese star Lamine Camara.
The France international is reportedly valued at around €50 million and it remains to be seen if Roma would be willing to release one of their key players at the tail end of this summer transfer business.
Despite the transfer rumours around his future, Kone continues to play a huge role in Rome by earning his second start of the season as AS Roma battle Lecce on Monday.
ENZO FERNANDEZ’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE AT CHELSEA
Earlier this month, Chelsea reportedly set a transfer ultimatum for clubs interested in the Argentine midfielder to meet their £120 million pricetag before August 14.
Several reports have linked Fernandez with a move to Manchester City this summer with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca keen on a reunion with the versatile midfielder.
Fernandez played in the Blues’ opening league fixture against Fulham but his situation at Stamford Bridge took a new turn on Sunday after he was dropped from Chelsea’s matchday squad for the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
MANU KONE HAILED AS ‘FRANCE’S BEST MIDFIELDER’ BY ARSENAL LEGEND VIEIRA
Arsenal legend and newly appointed Senegal coach, Patrice Vieira, described Kone as the current best midfielder in France following his commanding display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before the world witnessed Kone’s brilliance in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, Vieira was already aware of the 25-year-old’s qualities in the Serie A during his stint as Genoa head coach.
“He is for me today the best midfielder in France,” Vieira said on ITV. “I'd put him ahead of Tchouameni and Rabiot, because he has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up, has the facility with the ball to break lines and move forward."
“I don't really like that word, water carrier. He will win the ball, but he has something more than the others, as he can play forward. Sometimes Tchouameni can give you a little bit of frustration, too many passes sideways or backwards, but he's got more passes going forward."
WHAT WILL MANU KONE BRING INTO CHELSEA
Kone is renowned for his aggressiveness and ball-winning skills in the middle of the park.
He delivered a glimpse of his world-class skills at the World Cup, where he made 25 ball recoveries across his five appearances.
Alongside Moises Caicedo, Kone could provide a tighter shield for Chelsea's defence, who have conceded five goals in their opening two Premier League games.
