Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Roma for France midfielder Manu Kone, according to Sky in Italy, although Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to keep the player at the club.
The proposed deal is understood to be worth £52m. Talks are also progressing over a loan move that would see Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens join Roma in the opposite direction.
Kone is being considered as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with negotiations continuing over the Argentina international’s potential transfer to Manchester City.
Chelsea’s discussions over both Kone and Gittens remain ongoing, but Gasperini’s reluctance to let Kone leave represents a significant obstacle. Gasperini pushed for the midfielder to remain at Roma when he took charge and played an important role in securing his immediate future at the club.
Roma are working on potential replacements for Kone, including AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana and Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Could Manu Kone replace Enzo Fernandez?
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
Kone has considerable pedigree as a 19-cap France international. At 25, and with his peak years still ahead of him, he has already impressed in Italy, Germany and his homeland, showing an ability to adapt that could serve him well in the Premier League.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder combines athleticism with technical quality. Like the player he could replace at Chelsea, Kone can operate as either a No 6 or a No 8, although he is most comfortable at the base of midfield.
That could suit Alonso, whose preferred three-at-the-back system leaves less room for the No 8 role in which Fernandez previously excelled for Chelsea. It may also benefit Kone, who can defend, pass and carry the ball but does not provide the same level of attacking threat.
Fernandez made a major contribution in that area, producing 16 goals and 11 assists across the last two Premier League seasons. If he leaves, Chelsea may need to find those goals and assists elsewhere in the squad.
Kone offers different strengths and recorded two goals and five assists in league matches for Roma over the same period.
