Approach made: Arsenal step up midfielder chase after contacting Frenchman’s agent
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<p><strong>Arsenal have taken the first steps towards a possible summer move for AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with the club reportedly asking for information and making initial contact with his agent.<br />
</strong><br />
According to <a href="https://x.com/NicoSchira/status/2065897949272433056">Nicolo Schira</a>, the Gunners have made their first approaches as they explore the conditions of a deal.</p>
<p>Reports from <a href="https://romapress.net/arsenal-make-contact-with-manu-kones-entourage/">RomaPress</a> have also claimed that Arsenal have contacted the player&#8217;s entourage, although no formal bid has been submitted yet.</p>
<p>This feels like a smart move from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta already has quality in midfield, but Koné would bring a different type of energy.</p>
<p>He is physical, aggressive, progressive on the ball and comfortable driving through pressure, exactly the kind of profile that can change the rhythm of a game.</p>
<h2>Roma&#8217;s financial pressure could help Arsenal</h2>
<p>Roma are not desperate to lose key players, but their financial situation may force them into difficult decisions.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/as-roma-transfer-news-rumors/41303/roma-want-to-keep-kone-europes-elite-have-other-ideas">Chiesa Di Totti</a> reports that the Italian club need to raise funds before the end of June to meet UEFA financial requirements.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/06/12/arsenal-given-shock-opportunity-world-cup-midfielder/">That could give Arsenal an opening</a>. Koné is under contract until 2029, so Roma would normally be in a very strong position.</p>
<p>However, if they need money quickly, a bid in the €40m to €50m range could become tempting.</p>
<h2>A different option for Mikel Arteta</h2>
<p>Arsenal&#8217;s midfield already has control, intelligence and structure, but Koné would add more power and vertical running.</p>
<p>Declan Rice gives defensive security, Martin Zubimendi offers calm distribution, and Mikel Merino brings balance. Koné, though, would offer something more direct.</p>
<p>He is not just another technical midfielder. He is a ball-carrier, duel-winner and transition player who could make Arsenal more dangerous in chaotic matches.</p>
<p>For now, this is still at the enquiry stage. But Arsenal have laid the groundwork, and if Roma&#8217;s financial situation becomes more urgent, this could quickly turn into one of the Gunners&#8217; most interesting midfield pursuits of the summer.</p>

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