Manchester United have struck an agreement for France international.
The Red Devils have kicked off their summer rebuild under new manager Michael Carrick with four new signings and a couple of failed pursuits, as the club prepares for a return to the Champions League.
While Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes have ended up with rivals, Manchester United have brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson – and look to be making further in-roads to strengthen their midfield.
Manchester United strike agreement for Manu Kone, ahead of the likes of Arsenal
According to Thursday’s edition of Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, United have reached an agreement in principle with Manu Kone over a move to the Premier League.
FourFourTwo understands that the Roma star is also on Arsenal’s radar in the event that a move for Bruno Guimaraes doesn’t come to fruition, while Kone is courting interest from the Saudi Pro League.
The Italian outlet cites a fee of €60m for Kone, with that figure likely to come down further and Sport Witness claiming that €45m plus bonuses may be enough to secure the Frenchman’s signature.
The 25-year-old is currently on holiday, having been a consistent performer for France during the World Cup.
After Eduardo Camavinga was surprisingly omitted from Didier Deschamps’ final tournament selection as Les Bleus boss, Kone was given the nod in midfield against Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout stage ahead of the likes of youngster Warren Zaire-Emery and veteran N’Golo Kante.
The central midfielder impressed, too, and has enjoyed a rise to prominence in the last year since moving to Serie A from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Having already signed two midfielders this summer in Santos and Tielemans, Carrick is said to be interested in a third, with a move for Atalanta’s Ederson having broken down in the 11th hour.
The move away from a back three has placed more emphasis on Kobbie Mainoo’s talents in the centre of the park, though Casemiro’s exit from the club – combined with a return to European competition next term – means that Carrick would like extra depth across the side.
United are also said to be in the market for full-backs, while another forward to cover the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko may be signed, too.
Kone is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. Manchester United kick off the 2026/27 Premier League season away to Hull City.
