Newcastle United will reportedly look to sign 24-year-old French international Manu Kone from Serie A table-toppers AS Roma in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Manu Kone is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old AS Roma mainstay has emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.
However, a winter move will unlikely materialise, as AS Roma will not sanction his departure midway through the 2025/26 season. While Kone’s €2.8 million-a-year wages make him an appealing target, he has become a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini’s system at the Serie A club. So, Newcastle United must look elsewhere for a midfielder in the winter transfer window.
How has Manu Kone fared in Serie A so far?
Manu Kone has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Serie A since joining AS Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach last year. A native of Colombes, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Toulouse FC. However, the 24-year-old rose in prominence during his spell in the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Kone did not hit the ground running at AS Roma, but Gian Piero Gasperini has brought the best out of him this season. The French international has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Serie A table-toppers, amassing nearly 1,500 minutes of game time in 17 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, his progress has piqued the attention of several bigwigs, including Newcastle United.
Will Kone move to the Premier League soon?
Manu Kone has been on Newcastle United’s wishlist for a long time, and the Tyneside outfit mulled over signing him before he joined AS Roma. The continued interest is understandable, even though the Magpies bolstered their midfield unit in the summer transfer window by signing Jacob Ramsey.
Joe Willock will likely depart from St. James’ Park in the winter transfer window amid his links with Crystal Palace. Additionally, Joelinton’s long-term future is uncertain, with Newcastle United kick-starting a succession plan for the long-serving Brazilian. So, Kone has emerged as a viable target for the Premier League club, and they are weighing up a winter move for the Frenchman.
However, while Kone’s €2.8 million-a-year wages make him an appealing target, a winter move will unlikely materialise, as AS Roma will not sanction his exit. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old French international is not the only midfielder on Newcastle United’s wishlist, as they are also interested in Matteo Guendouzi, among others.
