Liverpool and Chelsea could consider moves for Roma midfielder Manu Koné during the January transfer window, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Koné remained in the Italian capital following considerable interest from the Premier League during the closing stages of the summer market.
Chelsea explored a late move for the French international but did not submit an official offer to Roma before Italy’s transfer window closed. Liverpool have now also been identified among the clubs monitoring his future.
Ornstein links Liverpool with Koné
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein discussed transfers that failed to materialize during the summer but could be revisited in January.
Koné was among the players he identified as a potential subject of renewed interest.
“I think Liverpool like him as one of their potential future options,” Ornstein said.
The wording is significant: Liverpool’s admiration does not mean negotiations have begun or that a January offer is guaranteed. It does, however, place the Premier League champions among the clubs following Koné.
Manchester United also monitored the midfielder extensively in the past, according to Ornstein, while Chelsea’s interest became much more concrete during the final days of the summer window.
Chelsea came close before changing direction
Ornstein said Koné came close to joining Chelsea before the London club shifted its attention toward Lamine Camara.
Chelsea aggressively pursued the Roma midfielder on deadline day, but the difference between the Italian and English market deadlines complicated the situation.
Roma would have needed sufficient time to identify and sign an adequate replacement. With Italy’s window closing earlier, the Giallorossi did not believe they could replace one of Gasperini’s most important players without significantly weakening the squad.
Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico later described Chelsea’s approach as an enquiry rather than a formal negotiation. Gasperini also denied reports that he had threatened to resign or personally vetoed the transfer.
The midfielder consequently remained at Roma, but Chelsea could renew their pursuit of Koné in January.
Roma’s European position could influence January decision
Ornstein believes Roma’s sporting and financial circumstances will be important when the market reopens.
“Let’s see what position Roma are in regarding European football and financial compliance,” he said.
Roma’s progress in the Champions League could influence both the club’s sporting ambitions and its financial flexibility. Reaching the knockout stages would generate additional UEFA revenue while strengthening the case for retaining a central player during the second half of the season.
An early European elimination—or renewed pressure surrounding the club’s settlement agreement—could create a different scenario if a substantial Premier League offer arrives.
That does not mean Roma are currently planning to sell Koné. The club rejected Chelsea’s summer approach and has repeatedly described the Frenchman as a cornerstone of Gasperini’s project.
Koné remains central to Gasperini’s Roma
Koné has established himself as one of Roma’s most important midfielders under Gasperini.
His ability to win duels, carry possession through pressure and cover large areas makes him particularly well suited to the coach’s aggressive tactical approach.
Koné also became an important player for France during the World Cup, further increasing his profile among Europe’s leading clubs.
Roma’s refusal to entertain a deadline-day departure demonstrated his importance. Gasperini needed Koné for a campaign involving Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, while the club had no realistic opportunity to find a comparable replacement in the remaining time.
The Giallorossi previously rejected Chelsea’s approach for Koné and maintained that no official bid had been received.
January interest does not guarantee Koné’s departure
Liverpool and Chelsea’s reported interest ensures Koné’s future will remain a topic of discussion ahead of January.
However, several factors would need to align for a transfer to become realistic. An interested club would have to submit a proposal large enough to make Roma reconsider their position, while the Giallorossi would require both the time and financial flexibility to secure a suitable replacement.
Roma’s Champions League progress and evolving UEFA compliance situation could also shape their response.
For now, Koné remains a fundamental part of Gasperini’s team. Ornstein’s comments indicate that Premier League clubs are continuing to watch him—but not that Roma have decided to sell.
Source: David Ornstein, The Athletic FC Podcast
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