Gasperini praises Kone, warns Man United 'there will be more clarity in the coming weeks'
Quick summary
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised player Kone amid transfer links to Manchester United, stating that clarity on the situation will emerge in the coming weeks.
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Attributed to original sourceGian Piero Gasperini says that Manu Kone is ‘having a great World Cup’, and though he is aware of the fact that Roma still need to balance their budgets, he insists that there will be ‘more clarity’ surrounding the Manchester United target in the coming weeks.
Gasperini: ‘Kone having a great World Cup, there will be more clarity in the coming weeks’ Kone is enjoying a starring role with the France national team, who are among the favourites to go the distance at the 2026 World Cup.
As a result of his strong 2025-26 performances and his impressive audition on the world stage, the Giallorossi midfielder is beginning to attract interest from high-profile clubs across Europe, most recently Manchester United.
United have dropped a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, have arranged a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but there is every chance that Michael Carrick looks to add a third option to a midfield department that is lacking in numbers at Old Trafford.
When asked about Kone’s status in an interview with Radio Rai 1, Gasperini said : “Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) “He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”
For several weeks at the beginning of the summer, it had been reported that Roma would need to sell a big-name player such as Kone if they are to comply with the terms of their financial fair play settlement agreement with UEFA.
Gasperini admits that Roma still need to ‘balance the budgets’, but insists that there will be a clearer picture in the near future.
He said: “The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”
Click here to read the full interview with Gasperini: ‘The whole Italy system has to be reviewed, especially the youth sector’
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What happened
Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Atalanta, publicly praised midfielder Kone while addressing growing speculation linking the player with a move to Manchester United. Gasperini hinted that the situation will become clearer in the coming weeks, suggesting ongoing negotiations or developments behind the scenes. His comments indicate Atalanta are aware of interest from the Premier League side. The transfer saga appears to be at an early-to-mid stage, with neither club yet confirming any deal.
Chance analysis
Gasperini's public praise combined with a warning that clarity will come soon is a classic transfer-saga signal: Atalanta are open to negotiation but want a proper fee, while Manchester United are likely gauging the cost. Kone's potential arrival would address a midfield need at Old Trafford. The timeline suggested (weeks) means this transfer is unlikely to affect early-season selection but could be resolved before the window closes.
If Kone joins Manchester United, it strengthens their midfield options; for Atalanta, it would mean losing a key player but potentially generating significant transfer revenue.
Monitor Kone transfer developments; if completed, Man United gain a midfielder option, otherwise squad depth remains unchanged for upcoming fixtures.