Chelsea are expected to revisit a move for Roma midfielder Manu Koné when the January transfer window opens, but a deal is far from certain and Liverpool are also monitoring the France international. Chelsea reportedly made a €60 million bid for Koné late in the summer window, only for Roma to reject it because they could not secure a suitable replacement.
Koné, 25, is under contract with Roma until June 2029, a position that gives the Italian club considerable leverage in any negotiations. Reports indicate Chelsea have not abandoned their interest after coming close to a summer agreement, but Roma’s willingness to sell in January may depend on their financial position, their European commitments and whether they can identify an adequate replacement.
Chelsea’s interest is understandable given their midfield circumstances. Moisés Caicedo is sidelined by injury, and Xabi Alonso has had to use options including Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Malo Gusto in central areas. The club allowed Enzo Fernández to leave during the summer but did not complete a replacement signing before the deadline, increasing the appeal of a player with Koné’s experience, athleticism and ball-winning ability.
Koné is primarily a dynamic central midfielder rather than a conventional deep-lying playmaker. He is valued for his ability to carry the ball, cover ground, contest possession and progress play through midfield. Those qualities could make him an effective complement to Caicedo, particularly in a system that requires midfielders to contribute both defensively and in transition.
Liverpool are also reported to have made an enquiry about Koné and are expected to consider midfield recruitment in 2027, with the player viewed as one of several possible options. Their interest does not establish an active bidding war, but it could create competition if Roma become willing to negotiate.
Chelsea have already signed 22-year-old Argentine midfielder Valentín Barco from Strasbourg on a contract through 2033. Barco played 58 times for Strasbourg, registering three goals and 11 assists, and has described his shift from attacking left-back to central midfield as transformative for his career. He offers versatility and long-term upside, but his arrival does not rule out a move for a more physically established midfielder such as Koné.
Chelsea’s wider shortlist reportedly includes Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The club unsuccessfully pursued Camara during the summer, with reports saying a €55 million agreement initially emerged before Monaco withdrew from the deal; Monaco are now believed to value the Senegal midfielder at closer to €70 million.
For now, Koné should be considered a serious Chelsea target rather than an imminent signing. Chelsea’s previous €60 million approach demonstrates the level of their interest, but Roma’s contract leverage, the possibility of Liverpool competition and the uncertainty surrounding a January sale mean the outcome will depend on developments in the coming months.
