Arsenal have refuted reports suggesting they were in advanced negotiations to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to Fabrizio Romano. Recent speculation had indicated a summer move for the France international was firmly in the works as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad following their Premier League title challenge.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is currently engaged in discussions regarding a deal for Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille, while Arsenal had also been linked with a move for Kone after his impressive season with Roma, where he helped the club secure a third-place finish in Serie A. Italian outlet Corriere della Sera had previously claimed personal terms were agreed, with Roma reportedly open to a €45m (£39m) transfer.
However, Romano reports via X, that Arsenal are not presently pursuing a deal for the 25-year-old, who started on the bench for France’s opening World Cup match against Senegal. Kone was previously described as ‘outstanding’ by BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards before the tournament began.
The future of the potential transfer remains uncertain, with the possibility of a revived interest after the conclusion of the World Cup not entirely dismissed. Currently, Arsenal appear to be focusing their attention on alternative targets to strengthen different areas of the team. Winger Bradley Barcola’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain is being monitored after he reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave, and the club are also assessing Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis, who is said to be keen on a return to English football.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are making ‘significant progress’ in securing a new contract for defender Jurrien Timber, indicating a focus on retaining key members of the squad. These developments suggest a dynamic transfer window for Arsenal as they aim to build upon their recent success.
