Roma Coach Praises Manu Koné Amid Inter Milan Transfer Interest

Roma’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called midfielder Manu Koné a “key player.” He hopes Roma won’t have to sell Koné for Financial Fair Play reasons, even as Inter Milan show strong interest in him.

WHAT GASPERINI SAID ABOUT KONÉ

Gasperini stated how important Koné is to the team, noting the midfielder’s influence and his own wish to keep him. “Manu Koné for us is a key player, very important in my view,” said the coach.

He also mentioned his ongoing talks with Roma‘s leadership: “We always share our ideas, me and the club. I hope there’s no need to lose any player for Financial Fair Play.”

This comes at a time when Inter Milan are eager to sign Koné as part of their midfield rebuild. Talks between Roma and Inter have picked up pace, with Inter reportedly ready to offer €40 million for the French player. However, Roma has rejected Inter’s bid, valuing Koné at around €50 million instead as confirmed by a recent report.

THE SEASON SO FAR

Koné has quickly made an impact at Roma after joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach last summer for €18 million plus add-ons. He played nearly every Serie A match during his debut season, showing energy and composure in midfield.

Roma finished fifth last season, just two points away from Champions League qualification, and aim to return to the top four in 2025-26 following their recent performance. Inter Milan, meanwhile, placed second in Serie A and want to strengthen their squad, especially after setbacks in their pursuit of Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

Both clubs are set to start their seasons this weekend—Roma hosting Bologna, and Inter facing Parma.

Inter are targeting the title and will want to overtake last season’s champions Napoli. Roma’s top-four fight will be more difficult if they lose Koné.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROMA AND KONÉ?

As the transfer window closes in just over two weeks, Roma face a choice. If Financial Fair Play pressures increase, they might have to consider selling Koné to Inter.

If a deal is made, Inter will get a versatile midfielder who can play a holding or box-to-box role, meeting their needs after missing out on Lookman. Roma fans hope Koné stays, but the coming days are important as new talks are scheduled.

Both teams’ results in the season’s first games could also affect final transfer choices.