Chelsea and Roma in talks over Manu Kone as Enzo Fernandez's Man City move looms

Chelsea close in on Manu Kone as Fernandez exit nears

Chelsea have reportedly agreed personal terms with AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone and tabled a bid worth €65m, according to TEAMtalk, which suggests the move could accelerate Enzo Fernandez's potential transfer to Manchester City.

The report, citing online outlet FootballTransfers, states that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old and are pushing to sign him before the transfer window closes. Around the same time, French reporter Santi Aouna confirmed on X that Chelsea have made official contact with Roma for Kone, writing: "Chelsea has officially made contact with Roma for Manu Koné. Discussions ongoing between the two clubs for the midfielder."

Bid details and Roma's stance

Nico Schira reported on X that Chelsea have offered €65M (£56m) to AS Roma for Kone, who is considered non-transferable by coach Gasperini. Schira added: "It's up to the midfielder and #Friedkin decide what to do." Roma are reluctant to sell, according to TEAMtalk, which notes that if they do cash in, Fernandez will move a step closer to joining Manchester City.

Gianluca Di Marzio, as reported by TEAMtalk, described the deal as 'advanced', with a fee of £52 million mentioned. TEAMtalk also notes that two names have been under consideration for Chelsea—Monaco's Lamine Camara and Roma's Manu Kone—but the focus has shifted to the latter.

Fernandez's potential move to Manchester City

The backdrop to these negotiations is Enzo Fernandez's reported desire to join Manchester City. TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea are open to selling Fernandez provided two conditions are met: they receive £120m and they sign a worthy replacement first. At £120m, Fernandez would become Manchester City's record buy and the most expensive midfielder in football history, positions currently held by other players.

TEAMtalk speculates that, assuming Julian Alvarez doesn't join Arsenal, the biggest transfer of the summer in terms of overall value is likely to be Fernandez joining City for £120m. Fernandez is described as "desperate" to make the move, a characterization that reflects the report's tone rather than an official statement from the player.