City have identified Roma midfielder Manu Koné as a potential target as Enzo Maresca’s midfield rebuild continues.
Mail Sport journalist Jack Gaughan reports that the France international is on City’s radar, with the club continuing to assess options before the transfer window closes. The Guardian has also reported City’s interest and puts Koné’s valuation at around £50m.
Koné, 25, has established himself as an important player for Roma after initially joining the Serie A club from Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has also broken into the senior France side and featured at this summer’s World Cup.
His emergence as a target comes during a major reshaping of City’s midfield following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders. Rodri completed his move to Barcelona earlier this week, while Reijnders has joined Al-Qadsiah.
Koné adds another option to City’s midfield search
City’s interest in Koné does not necessarily mean a deal is imminent. At this stage he is being described as a target, rather than a player for whom formal negotiations have been reported.
But the profile is significant.
Koné offers physicality, ball-carrying ability and experience at both Serie A and international level, while at 25 he is entering what should be the prime years of his career.
City are also pursuing Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi and have retained an interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, although Chelsea’s £120m valuation makes that a significantly more expensive proposition.
Koné therefore looks like another credible name on City’s shortlist as Maresca and the club attempt to complete a substantial overhaul of the midfield before the window shuts.
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