Chelsea have not given up on landing AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné, though Liverpool’s growing interest could complicate any move, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

Blues Left Wanting in Midfield

Xabi Alonso’s side went into the closing stages of the summer window hoping to land a midfielder capable of walking straight into the first team. Jordan Henderson arrived from Brentford and Valentin Barco joined from Strasbourg, but neither addition fully solved Chelsea’s problem. Henderson offers experience and leadership to a young squad rather than week-in, week-out dynamism, while Barco remains a project still adjusting to English football’s pace.

A late chase for Lamine Camara also collapsed before deadline day, leaving Alonso short of the commanding presence his engine room needs.

Roma Rejected Deadline Day Offer

Chelsea did move for Koné before the window shut, with reports suggesting a formal £51m bid was tabled. Roma turned it down, but Tuttomercatoweb claims the Blues have not cooled on the 25-year-old France international and intend to revive their pursuit. Liverpool, however, are also monitoring the player and could table their own offer, setting up a potential transfer battle.

Why Koné Makes Sense for Chelsea

Chelsea’s midfield frailties have been laid bare in recent weeks. Against Arsenal, they were forced into using two full-backs, Malo Gusto and Reece James, in central positions, while Leeds United overran them for long spells during last Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie.

Koné’s numbers in Serie A make a strong case for the move. He’s completing over 91% of his passes, alongside a long-ball accuracy above 85%, figures that point to genuine composure under pressure. Defensively, he’s averaging more than four duels and two tackles per 90 minutes, suggesting he’d bring exactly the ball-winning steel Chelsea currently lack.

At a Transfermarkt valuation of £42m, he looks like shrewd business if Chelsea can get a deal over the line before Liverpool step in.