Top News

Real Madrid are continuing to track France international Manu Kone, the 25-year-old Roma midfielder.

According to AS, Kone is already on Real Madrid’s shortlist as the club look at options to strengthen their midfield in the future.

Officials from Los Blancos watched him play in Roma’s Serie A opener last Monday, when they registered an emphatic 4-0 win over Fiorentina.

Kone is contracted to Roma until 2029. He joined the Italian club in 2024, straight after Mourinho stepped down from his role as head coach.

His market value is estimated to be around 60 million euros.

Before moving to Roma, Kone played for Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach. He has made 19 appearances for France so far, and started while delivering impressive displays against Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco at the 2026 World Cup after Tchouameni suffered an injury.

Kone is primarily a defensive midfielder and stands out for his ability to win duels and make interceptions, along with his sharp understanding of how to press opponents.

His physical power, relentless work rate and strong presence on the pitch are complemented by his composure in possession and his ability to make the right decisions. In Serie A last season, his pass completion rate reached 90%.

Real Madrid’s plan to sign Koné

Kone’s attributes fit Mourinho’s preferences, but a move for him, or for any other player, will not take place in the current summer transfer window. Real Madrid believe their transfer business is complete, even if a player leaves before the window closes.

That said, Real Madrid are not dismissing the possibility of a major approach from a Premier League club, which is why they are preparing for every possible outcome.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all in the market for midfielders. In that context, names like Camavinga and Tchouameni continue to be mentioned.

Regardless of what happens with Camavinga or Tchouameni, Real Madrid’s current position is firm: there will be no further signings in this transfer window.

If the club eventually move for Kone, it would be in a future transfer window.