Arsenal are interested in signing France and Roma star Manu Kone to bolster their midfield this summer, as their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes appears to be fading.
Arsenal's midfield targets
The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title in May, with Mikel Arteta eager to keep strengthening his squad to ensure the trophy remains in north London next season. Arsenal are keen to strengthen at right-back, left wing and up front in the summer months, with another midfielder also being considered.
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard were Arteta’s first choice options, but a long, gruelling campaign took its toll, highlighting the need for another option in the middle of the park.
Myles Lewis-Skelly stepped up in the final weeks of the campaign, but Christian Norgaard, who only arrived at the Emirates from Brentford last summer, is among those expected to move on.
Interest in Manu Kone
L’Equipe report that Kone is another player Arsenal are interested in. The 25-year-old has just finished his second season at Roma and is expected to leave the Giallorossi this summer. Inter Milan are considered the front runners, but the report names Arsenal as another club who have shown interest.
Kone is part of the France squad who are among the favourites to win the World Cup this summer. Micah Richards recently lavished praise on Kone and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, believing they could be two unsung heroes to help Les Bleus on their way to glory.
‘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 all the talent in front, you need people behind them who know what needs to be done.’
Mateus Fernandes interest fades
Arsenal were also interested in signing Mateus Fernandes, who enjoyed a fine season despite West Ham’s relegation from the top flight. Manchester United have also made him a top target, however, with latest reports suggesting Michael Carrick’s side are set to beat Arsenal in the race for his signature. West Ham’s £80million valuation is thought to be a factor, with the Gunners not willing to meet those demands.
