Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico says midfielder Manu Kone was never close to joining Chelsea, despite speculation over a possible move involving the France international.
D’Amico addressed the failed transfer, making clear that the 25-year-old’s proposed switch to Chelsea did not reach an advanced stage. The comments end the suggestion that negotiations had progressed significantly between the clubs.
Kone remains a Roma player and is under contract with the Italian club until 2029. His current deal gives Roma a long-term position over the midfielder’s future, while his market value has been estimated at €50m by Transfermarkt.
The midfielder has made two appearances for Roma in the new season but has not registered a goal or an assist in either match. Those outings have come against the backdrop of continued interest and speculation surrounding his position at the club.
However, D’Amico’s assessment is that a move to Chelsea was not close to being completed. There is no indication in the comments that Roma reached the final stages of an agreement with the Premier League club, or that a transfer was imminent.
Kone’s contractual situation means Roma are not under immediate pressure to sell the player. With four years remaining on his agreement, the club retains control of any decision over his future and would determine whether to consider an offer meeting their valuation.
Transfermarkt’s €50m estimate provides an indication of the financial level associated with the player, although that figure does not represent a confirmed bid or an agreed transfer fee. No completed move to Chelsea has taken place.
For now, Kone’s status is unchanged: he remains at Roma, has featured twice this season and has not contributed a goal or assist. The club’s sporting director has rejected the idea that the player was on the verge of leaving for Chelsea.
The comments also place the transfer speculation in context. While Kone’s name was linked with Chelsea, the account from Roma is that the situation never developed into a deal that was close to completion. His long-term contract and the €50m market valuation remain the key details surrounding his position.
No further information about a possible transfer agreement was provided. Roma’s position, as outlined by D’Amico, is that Kone was not close to moving to Chelsea, and the midfielder continues to be registered with the Italian club.