Manchester City’s €60 million chase for Manu Koné reshapes midfield plans

In the early hours of today, Manchester City confirmed they are eyeing French midfielder Manu Koné as a summer target, a move that could cost €60 million and help replace the recent exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, after a 3‑0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.

Midfield rebuild after key exits

Rodri has departed for Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders signed in Saudi Arabia. Reports also suggest Nico Gonzalez is discussing a possible move to Newcastle.

Manchester City abandoned the Premier League title to Arsenal last season. Enzo Maresca’s first official match ended in a 3‑0 Community Shield defeat to the Gunners.

According to the and other British outlets, the club has marked French midfielder Manu Koné as a priority. The interest is aimed at adding volume to the midfield following the recent exits.

Koné, a 25‑year‑old French international, is under contract with Roma until 2029. Roma would only enter talks if Manchester City meets a €60 million valuation, as noted in the report titled KonéAujourd'hui.

City sees the potential signing as a direct replacement for Reijnders. The €60 million price tag reflects the club’s willingness to invest heavily in midfield depth.

Another name linked to the Sky Blues is Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has earned eight caps for his country. City prefers the Lille midfielder and is close to a decision.

The BBC adds that a swift agreement on Bouaddi could become Lille’s biggest sale since Nicolas Pépé’s €80 million transfer to Arsenal in 2019. Such a deal would underline City’s aggressive recruitment strategy this summer.

The club’s rebuilding under new management signals a shift in tactical approach. The original French report even uses the article Le before the club name, highlighting its bilingual coverage.