Real Madrid News
Real Madrid closely monitoring €60 million-rated Serie A midfielder – report
According to AS, Real Madrid are closely monitoring AS Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone in the final week of the summer transfer window.
The Merengues have closely followed the 25-year-old midfielder for some time, including scouting him in person on several occasions.
He is viewed as an attractive option should a midfielder leave before the transfer window closes. While he is not the only candidate on the table, his name is highly regarded internally.
The scouting department, led by Juni Calafat, has been keeping a close eye on him.
In fact, Real Madrid representatives monitored Kone during Roma’s Serie A opener against Fiorentina last Monday, a convincing 4-0 victory. They were also assessing Franco Mastantuono’s debut for the Italian side.
A €60 million midfielder
Kone is under contract with Roma until 2029, having joined the club in 2024, shortly after Jose Mourinho left his position as coach. His potential transfer fee is estimated at around €60 million.
Before moving to Italy, Kone played for Toulouse and Borussia Monchengladbach. He has made 19 appearances for France and impressed at the recent World Cup, starting against Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco after Aurelien Tchouaméni was injured.
A defensive midfielder, Kone is strong in duels and intelligent when pressing. He combines physical power and mobility with good technical ability and sound decision-making
A profile that fits Mourinho
Kone’s qualities match many of the characteristics Mourinho wants from his midfielders. However, his arrival, or that of any other player, depends entirely on whether Real Madrid lose someone before the market closes.
Real Madrid are not ruling out a major Premier League approach for one of their midfielders, which is why the club remains prepared for any eventuality.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all looking for midfield reinforcements, with Eduardo Camavinga and Tchouameni having been mentioned as potential targets.
Tchouameni recently agreed to renew his contract with Real Madrid until 2031, making his departure less likely, but the club remain alert to developments during the final days of the window.
For now, Real Madrid consider their squad complete. But the club know that an unexpected offer or departure could quickly change their plans. If that happens, Kone is one of the midfielders already on the radar.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal legend comments on club’s failed attempt to sign Vinicius: ‘It didn’t materialise, but…’
Martin Keown, Arsenal legend and ambassador, spoke after the UEFA Champions League draw about the club’s transfer activity and, in particular, two major names who were linked with a move to the Emirates this summer: Vinicius Jr. and Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners had shown a concrete interest in the Real Madrid superstar even as negotiations over his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu had hit a standstill.
There were talks between the two camps and there was a strong belief within the Arsenal camp that they could land the Brazilian international this summer.
However, Vinicius ultimately renewed his contract with Real Madrid, dealing a blow to the Premier League champions.
Arsenal competing for Europe’s elite
Speaking after the Champions League draw on Thursday, Keown stated that he believes the fact that Arsenal were even linked with players of Vinicius’ calibre demonstrates how far the club has progressed.
“I think the key to Arsenal’s success is that they can be linked with Vinicius. It didn’t materialise, but it shows the steps Arsenal are taking,” the former defender explained, as quoted by AS.
Keown placed Vinicius and Alvarez among the elite players capable of making a difference at any major European club.
“To play for Arsenal, you have to be a top-level player. And both of them are,” he said.
For the Arsenal ambassador, failing to complete either deal shouldn’t be viewed as a failure.
“The important thing is that Arsenal are competing for the best players in Europe,” Keown stressed.
Real Madrid to face Arsenal
Following the failed pursuit of Vinicius, Arsenal will face off against him and Real Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League.
Indeed, the Premier League champions have been drawn against the Spanish capital giants, with the clash set to be played at the Emirates Stadium.
It will not be an easy fixture for Jose Mourinho & co., considering how solid Mikel Arteta’s team has been. Moreover, it must be remembered that Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from the competition at the quarter-final stages during the 2024/25 season.
