Aston Villa have eyed a move for the French star in the midfield from the Italian top flight.
Aston Villa transfer plan has been linked to a number of names lately. The latest one is actually one of the talented midfielders, AS Roma’s Manu Kone. According to the report in Birmingham mail, Villa could be the potential suitor.
“They (AS Roma) reckon Emery ‘highly appreciates’ the French midfielder’s qualities and that he is considered one of the most promising prospects in his position in Europe.”
His contract situation
The 25-year old midfielder is currently under contract with Giallorossi until summer 2029. So, Roma has no urgency to sell him. However, he has been in high demand recently.
Beside Aston Villa who have reportedly had concrete interest in the former Borussia Gladbach man, Atletico Madrid have even made an offer for him. Los Rojiblancos have put £39 million offer on the table, and Roma just refused it.
Currently, Kone is worth around £44 million. So, Villa might have to prepare such an amount to lure him out or ease Roma’s stance on selling him. He is one of the target from Roma beside Mathias Soule, who has been linked to Premier League move earlier.
Yet, there is something which might force the Italian outfit to sell him one way or another. It is the fact that Roma would still have to generate sufficient funds to comply with UEFA financial regulation by June 30. Giallorossi is still expected to do so despite qualifying to the UEFA’s continental top flight next season.
Considering how Roma have just signed Aston Villa loanee, Donyell Malen, in January on permanent deal this summer, both clubs could be engaging possibly easier negotiation on the deal.
How good is Manu Kone?
Manu Kone joined AS Roma in 2024 initially on loan from Gladbach. He has been the key man in Gian Gasperini’s side. Since making the switch to Olimpico, he has featured in 82 games, scoring four and providing 6 assists.
Based on the data in FotMob, Kone is mainly deployed as a defensive midfielder but can operate as central midfielder too. His xG rate is quite high, up to 2.11 whereas his xA (expected assist) is 2.51.
Meanwhile, his successful passes percentage can reach 90.4 % and his accurate long balls is 59.3. When it comes to dribbing, his rate is 66.7 %. When it comes to defensive contributions,he did as expected last season. Kone made 49 tackles, 18 interceptions, and 28 clearances.
His arrival is definitely a great addition for the squad which might be necessary to punch their weight in the Champions League and probably in the Premier League. The midfielder with 13 international caps can be utilised when the team needs rotation.
Manu Kone was also part of the squad in France U23 for 2024 Summer Olympic games. He helped the team reach the final before losing to Spain in a thrilling encounter. The midfielder who started his professional career with Ligue 1 side, Toulouse, manages to make the cut in Les Blues’ final squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup.