Arsenal trailing Man Utd in race for midfielder

July 20, 2026 20:26 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Man Utd leading Kone race

Arsenal are trailing Manchester United in the pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, according to L’Equipe.

The Frenchman had a terrific 2025/26 campaign with Roma, and he went on to impress for his country at the World Cup too.

Kone is now keen on making the switch to the Premier League, and he would ideally prefer a quick decision in the next few days.

L’Equipe claim that United are leading the pursuit of the £51 million midfielder, having opened talks with the Giallorossi.

Arsenal and two more Premier League clubs are likewise keen on the 25-year-old, but United are in the front row at the moment.

United are taking their time to make a final decision on the player, having already signed two midfielders in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

They are keen on landing a defensive midfielder and plan to assess all possible targets before considering a deal for Kone.