Chelsea remain active in the final stages of the summer transfer window as Xabi Alonso continues reshaping his squad.
The Blues have already completed several major deals, including the £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Maxence Lacroix and Geovany Quenda have also strengthened the squad, while Emiliano Martinez arrived for £7.5 million.
Attention has increasingly turned towards midfield as uncertainty continues around captain Enzo Fernandez and a possible Manchester City move.
Chelsea have already reached a £38 million agreement with AS Monaco for Lamine Camara as they assess further options.
Another midfielder has now emerged prominently on their shortlist after attracting interest from several major European clubs.
According to Santi Aouna, Chelsea have made contact with the representatives of Roma midfielder Manu Kone over a possible late move.
The France international is considered one of Chelsea’s leading midfield options alongside Camara, although negotiations are not advanced.
Roma want to keep Kone and have not received any formal bids for the midfielder at this stage.
Kone impressed during the 2025–26 campaign, making 37 appearances for Roma and contributing two goals and three assists.
He also featured prominently for France during the 2026 World Cup as they progressed to the semi-finals.
The midfielder remains under contract with Roma until 2029 and has a reported €60 million release clause.
Manchester United had previously shown strong interest and reportedly agreed personal terms before eventually pursuing other midfield targets.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Inter Milan have also made inquiries during the summer, while Real Madrid have monitored his progress.
Chelsea have now positioned themselves among the clubs exploring Kone as the deadline approaches.
For now, however, their interest remains at the contact stage, with Roma still determined to retain the midfielder.
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