Man Utd target Manu Kone as Roma demand over £45m following Ederson snub
Manchester United have shifted their transfer focus to AS Roma's Manu Kone following the sudden collapse of negotiations for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The club is now navigating a significant financial valuation as they look to bolster their midfield options.
Manchester United have identified AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone as a primary transfer target. The club shifted its strategic focus to the France international following a dramatic collapse in negotiations for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The pursuit of Ederson had reached an advanced stage since June, with personal terms settled and a base fee of €40.5m (£34.4m) plus €4.5m (£3.8m) in add-ons agreed. Despite the player completing medical examinations, the transfer was abandoned.
The collapse of the Ederson deal has sparked conflicting accounts. While reports from Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano indicate that United requested intensive additional medical testing, Atalanta maintains the deal failed due to a change of heart by the Premier League side. Ederson, who participated in the World Cup as part of Brazil’s squad, now faces an uncertain future at Atalanta under new manager Maurizio Sarri.
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United now view Kone as a solution to their midfield requirements. However, acquiring the player will require a significant financial commitment. According to reports, AS Roma is demanding a fee exceeding £45 million. Further reporting by Gazzetta dello Sport suggests the financial barrier may be higher, with the Italian club seeking upwards of €50 million to facilitate a move. Reports indicate that an offer of €50m (£42.5m) has already been deemed insufficient, as Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico prioritizes capital gains to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Corriere dello Sport has noted that the club’s minimum asking price is €55m (£47m).
United are currently positioned ahead of Chelsea in the race for the midfielder, though the player is reported to have a preference for Paris Saint-Germain. The board is under pressure to formalize a proposal before the transfer window closes to avoid repeating previous negotiation difficulties.
Midfield Alternatives and Squad Status
The club continues to monitor other midfield options as they balance squad depth. Contact has been initiated regarding Sander Berge, and the club is tracking Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Raskin is viewed as an affordable option following a strong World Cup performance, though concerns persist regarding his experience level compared to other targets. Manchester United have already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to their midfield ranks this summer.
Developments concerning the existing squad include:
- Marcus Rashford: The forward remains at Old Trafford after rejecting several "lucrative offers" from other clubs. With Barcelona declining to make his loan permanent, Rashford is expected to return to Carrington for integration into the squad under Michael Carrick. While the club is open to a permanent departure, the player is reportedly keen to honor his contract, which runs until 2028.
- Alvaro Carreras: United are pursuing a reunion with the left-back currently at Real Madrid. Carreras previously spent four years at Manchester United before departing for Benfica and eventually moving to the Spanish capital.
- Darlington Osuchukwu: The 16-year-old goalkeeper has officially departed the club to join Athletic Club in LaLiga. The player, who joined United at age 13, grew up in the Navarre region of Spain.
- Radek Vitek: The player has submitted a formal transfer request following his participation in a recent pre-season friendly.
Transfer Window Outlook
| Target/Issue | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Manu Kone | United lead Chelsea in pursuit; Roma requires a fee exceeding £45 million. |
| Financial Fair Play | Roma’s need for capital gains remains a significant obstacle for any rapid deal. |
| Midfield Depth | The club is weighing lower-cost alternatives such as Nicolas Raskin if the Kone deal remains unresolved. |
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