Roma have reportedly placed a valuation of approximately £51 million on the French international as City reshape Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Manchester City have identified Roma midfielder Manu Koné as a potential signing before the summer transfer window closes.
According to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, Koné is among the players being considered as City rebuild their midfield following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
The two midfielders were sold this week for a combined fee of approximately £110 million, leaving City with significant gaps to address shortly before the beginning of the Premier League season.
City are hopeful of completing a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is valued at around £85 million. Koné, however, is also on the club’s list of potential targets for the final weeks of the window.
Roma have reportedly set an asking price of approximately £51 million for the 25-year-old. Koné has recorded four goals across 63 appearances during his two seasons in Serie A, but his dynamism and work without the ball are considered among his most valuable qualities.
The midfielder also featured five times for France during the World Cup, starting four matches and coming off the bench at half-time during the semi-final defeat against Spain. He currently has 19 senior international caps.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both previously been linked with Koné. United spoke with his representatives earlier in the summer but have since turned their attention to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Manchester City also retain an interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, although they are unwilling to meet the London club’s reported £120 million valuation. Koné could therefore emerge as a more attainable option as City assess how to complete their midfield overhaul.
Source: Jack Gaughan, Daily Mail
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