Mansion Sports – Manchester City have reportedly identified Roma midfielder Manu Koné as their main transfer target for the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.

Enzo Maresca wants to strengthen his midfield options following several high-profile departures, and the impressive France international has emerged as an ideal candidate to provide the dynamics that the Premier League champions urgently need.

City Seek Midfield Reinforcement

Manchester City have placed Koné on their shortlist of potential signings ahead of the approaching transfer deadline, according to The Guardian.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana, the club are currently undergoing a major restructuring of their midfield.

City have lost high-profile players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders this summer, leaving a significant void in the center of the pitch.

Although they recently secured Elliot Anderson in a £116 million deal from Nottingham Forest, the Manchester club remain active in the transfer market for additional quality to ensure they are fully prepared to defend their domestic title this season.

World Cup Star Attracts Interest

Koné enhanced his global reputation following a series of outstanding performances for France at the 2026 World Cup.

The 25-year-old featured in five of his country’s eight matches during the tournament in North America, with France winning all four matches in which he started.

His impressive performances on the international stage prompted Roma to raise their asking price to around £51 million, a valuation that appears to have discouraged Manchester United from pursuing their initial interest.

However, City are now in a strong position to meet those financial demands, particularly after receiving substantial funds from the sales of Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah and Rodri to Barcelona.

Bouaddi and Fernandez Join Midfield Shortlist

In addition to pursuing Koné, City are increasingly close to signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85 million.

The 18-year-old is regarded as a promising prospect, but Maresca wants elite-level experience that Koné can provide immediately.

City also remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, although the internal deadline regarding his release clause has passed without an official offer.

What Comes Next for Manchester City?

Maresca and his squad are preparing to begin their new Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Off the pitch, Viana faces an extremely busy final two weeks of the transfer window.

City must quickly complete the outstanding player departures and submit an official proposal to Roma if they want to include Koné in their squad before the September deadline.