Arsenal’s search for midfield reinforcements has led to links with players from all across Europe.
Andrea Berta is believed to be exploring a number of options as he looks to build a squad capable of defending the Premier League title and going one step further in the Champions League.
One player who has been heavily linked with Arsenal is Manu Kone in recent weeks.
Reports in Italy have suggested Arsenal are pushing hard for the Roma midfielder, with some even claiming personal terms have already been agreed.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a very different update.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have played down Manu Kone links
Kone is a player Arsenal supporters will know well.
The French midfielder has impressed in both Germany and Italy over the last few years and has developed a reputation as an energetic, technically gifted player capable of operating in several midfield roles.
That profile made the recent reports easy to believe.
After all, Arsenal are expected to strengthen in midfield, and Kone is the sort of player many top clubs have monitored at one stage or another.
However, Romano has now poured cold water on the speculation.
The transfer expert revealed that Arsenal themselves have downplayed suggestions that talks are at an advanced stage.
Romano tweeted: “Arsenal play down reports about talks at an advanced stage for Manu Kone. AS Roma midfielder not seen as a target.”
That is a fairly definitive update.
Things can always change in football, but based on what Romano has been told, Kone is not currently someone Arsenal are actively pursuing despite the reports emerging from Italy.
🤔 Which midfield target should Andrea Berta prioritise at Arsenal this summer?
Manu Kone is a good player, but Arsenal should aim higher
Kone is a talented midfielder and would improve plenty of teams across Europe.
The issue is that Arsenal are no longer trying to improve plenty of teams across Europe. They are trying to stay at the very top of the game.
When you look at some of the midfielders linked with the club recently, it becomes difficult to argue that Kone should be near the top of the list. Players such as Sandro Tonali, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Alex Scott and Elliott Anderson all feel like more exciting options.
Kone is a good footballer, but Arsenal should be targeting players who significantly raise the level of the squad.
The Gunners are Premier League champions and Champions League finalists now. Their recruitment needs to reflect that reality, and there are stronger options available than the Roma midfielder.
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