Roma midfielder Manu Kone has responded to transfer speculation linking him with Arsenal and Inter Milan, stating that his full focus is on the World Cup with France. The 25-year-old has been tipped for a summer move away from the Italian capital, with reports suggesting he could leave Roma after just two years.
Kone's rise to prominence
Kone began his career at Toulouse before moving to Borussia Monchengladbach and then joining Roma in 2024 for around €20 million (£17.3m). He signed a five-year contract with the Serie A club. L'Equipe reported last week that Kone is 'expected to leave' Roma this summer, with Inter Milan leading the race for his signature. Arsenal have also 'expressed an interest' in the midfielder, according to the French publication.
World Cup priority
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Kone made it clear that his immediate priority is the World Cup. 'Honestly, right now I'm only thinking about the World Cup. It's my first major international competition, a tournament I've always dreamed of playing in,' he said. 'I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We'll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens.'
Kone has earned 14 caps for France since his debut in 2024 and could feature prominently in Didier Deschamps' squad this summer. Despite being hampered by hamstring injuries since Christmas, he made 37 appearances for Roma last season, scoring twice. Over his two years at Roma, he has netted four goals in total.
Praise from pundits
Former England defender Micah Richards has praised Kone, comparing him to Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery. 'France with that forward line are up there too – people talk about their midfield [being weaker compared to 2018] but Kone in midfield is outstanding,' Richards told Metro. 'Zaïre-Emery has excelled there and in other positions. Kante is still there and you know you are going to get hard work.'
With Roma likely to make a substantial profit on their €20 million investment, Kone's future remains uncertain. However, for now, the midfielder is solely focused on helping France succeed at the World Cup.
