Liverpool Reportedly Interested in Roma Midfielder Manu Kone, Who Came Close to Joining Chelsea This Summer

Liverpool are reportedly emerging as potential suitors for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, who also came very close to joining Chelsea this summer. According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein in a Q&A column, Chelsea initially had strong interest in Kone before turning their attention to Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, although Camara's transfer ultimately did not happen.

Ornstein said: "Kone of Roma, he was very close to joining Chelsea before they turned to Camara." He added that Liverpool also regard Kone as one of their potential future options. However, regarding reports linking Liverpool with Camara, Ornstein said he could not confirm the extent of those links at present, while Kone is a player he clearly knows Liverpool are interested in.

Background to Liverpool's midfield recruitment discussion

Ornstein also mentioned that Liverpool already needed to consider midfield options. Even if Curtis Jones left, they only planned to sign one midfielder; if there were further departures, Camara had been one of the options. He said: "I think Liverpool are interested in Roma's Kone, and they will have other options too. Don't forget they also have Trey Nyoni, who has performed very well."

Liverpool's start to the season has not been particularly convincing, with two draws and one win in their first three Premier League matches. After new manager Andoni Iraola took charge, the team was always expected to need a period of adjustment, but the club's activity in the transfer market has also come under scrutiny. Although Liverpool signed an attacking player such as Bradley Barcola late in the summer window, the midfield position still appears to be an area where more could have been done.

Could Kone or Camara provide a midfield upgrade

In terms of their qualities, both Kone and Camara could potentially provide Iraola with a stronger defensive presence in midfield than the current options. Ryan Gravenberch performed very well when Liverpool won the title in the 2024/25 season, but his form has declined since then, making it understandable to imagine that Kone or Camara could bring an improvement to the team.

Liverpool's interest in Kone remains at the stage of being a "potential future option," and Ornstein has not confirmed that the club have started formal negotiations or made an offer. After Chelsea missed out on Kone this summer, whether Liverpool will advance the deal will depend on developments in future transfer windows.