Chelsea open advanced talks for £52m Roma midfielder Manu Koné

Chelsea have stepped up talks with Roma over a potential £52 million deal for French midfielder Manu Koné, according to reports emerging on transfer deadline day. Four Four Two reports that Chelsea have made an offer worth around €60 million for the 25-year-old, who has become an important figure in Roma’s midfield.

The proposed move comes as Chelsea consider midfield reinforcements amid uncertainty over Enzo Fernández’s future. Meanwhile, Roma remain interested in Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens and could pursue a season-long loan for the England Under-21 international. Gittens joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund last summer but has struggled for consistent opportunities. Reports earlier in August said Roma had already approached Chelsea over a loan move.