Chelsea spent the last moments of the summer transfer window searching for another midfielder after losing Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
The Blues turned to AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara on deadline day but failed to get the deal over the line, while they also explored other options.
Now, Chelsea have been handed another significant setback ahead of a potential January move for one of their alternative targets.
Roma Double Manu Kone Asking Price
Roma have reportedly doubled their asking price for Manu Kone, dealing another blow to Chelsea’s hopes of signing the midfielder.
The France international emerged as a possible late replacement for Fernandez during the summer, but Chelsea ultimately decided against making an offer after Roma made it clear they were unwilling to sell without sufficient time to bring in a replacement.
Kone could now be considerably more expensive if Chelsea return for him in January. According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, per the Evening Standard, Roma previously valued the 25-year-old at around €50 million (£42.9 million), but their demands have now risen to €100 million (£85.9 million).
The midfielder has also earned praise from France legend Patrick Vieira, who has described him as “aggressive”, highlighting the combative qualities he could bring to Chelsea’s midfield.
With Roma now demanding twice what they were reportedly seeking during the summer, Chelsea may have to decide whether Kone remains worth pursuing or whether to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
The Blues’ failed deadline-day pursuit of Camara has already left them short of options, and Roma’s dramatic price increase could make a January move for Kone equally difficult.
