Arsenal target player with chance to become World Cup champion in 2026

Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Manu Koné. The next step would be to agree on club-to-club terms, with Roma wanting €50 million (£43 million) to part ways with him.

Manu Koné is currently at the World Cup with France. There is every chance that he could become a world champion, being slightly involved in Les Bleus' pre-tournament friendly. He was an unused substitute in France's opener, but with France hoping to win back the title they lost in 2022, his involvement from the bench could prove pivotal.

That said, it shouldn't stop Arsenal from working fast behind the scenes. If anything, it should speed them up. A great World Cup performance will only skyrocket his value.

Arsenal make opening move for transfer target Manu Koné

According to the Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Manu Koné's representatives. Roma want around the £43 million mark.

Arsenal are moving quickly here, as there is a slight chance that Roma could favour a quick sale. Roma needs to make some capital gains quickly, and as outlined in the report, that could come down to a quick Koné sale if nothing materialises with Matías Soulé.

If Soulé is sold immediately, then Roma can afford to wait until the end of the World Cup.

Why Arsenal are interested in Manu Koné

Arsenal are probably leaning towards Manu Koné primarily for his midfield versatility. Much like all of their midfielders, he can play in multiple roles.

However, his strongest position is as a defensive midfielder. He is physically dominant and he excels in winning back possession in the midfield.

In a manner akin to Declan Rice, he can win back the ball and drive it forward with his box-to-box prowess. The aim is not to replace Declan Rice, obviously, but it's to add yet another safety blanket to Arsenal's midfield depth.

The World Cup factor and why Arsenal would prefer to act quick

We've seen it time and time again - A player has a brilliant World Cup showing, and their side cashes in on them.

This could very much happen with Manu Koné, and it's exactly why Roma would prefer to wait until after the World Cup is finished. Arsenal, on the other hand, should prefer to get it done quickly.

A lot of this deal hinges on whether Roma can make their necessary profit elsewhere. The good news for Arsenal is that Koné is a great opportunity for the Italian side to do it, so should the stars align and Roma need to sell, Arsenal could guarantee themselves a bargain before the World Cup reaches a pivotal stage.

What happens next

Roma would, ideally, like to settle their finances by June 30, the date of the final settlement agreement with UEFA. This means that the profit they seek on players should come over the next few weeks.

If Roma makes a profit on Matías Soulé - Arsenal will likely wait until the World Cup is over to pursue terms with Roma for Manu Koné.
If Roma fails to make a profit on Matías Soulé - Arsenal can act much faster to sign Manu Koné.

Add us as a preferred source on Google