Roma reject first Atletico Madrid offer for Kone, set €60m price tag
Quick summary
Roma have reportedly rejected an initial offer from Atletico Madrid for midfielder Kone and are demanding €60 million for the player.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceItalian reports suggest Roma turned down a €40m offer from Atletico Madrid for Manu Koné, but would be ready to sell if they, Manchester United or Liverpool came in with at least €60m.
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Manu Kone of AS Roma looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) The midfielder had already been targeted by Inter in recent months and was given a price tag of €50m, but that has risen considerably thanks to his stellar performances for France at the 2026 World Cup.
As they prepare to face Spain in the semi-final tomorrow evening, his profile continues to soar and attract attention.
Kone asking price will not budge PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 13: Manu Kone of France in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between France and Ukraine at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) According to the Corriere dello Sport , Roma received a bid from Atletico Madrid worth just €40m and rejected it outright this summer.
That is not going to be enough to make them sell, especially now that Manchester United and Liverpool look prepared to spark a Premier League bidding war.
Roma have never disguised that the 25-year-old is potentially on the transfer market, but also that they will only part with Koné if a suitable offer arrives.
He was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus up to a further €2m in add-ons.
Roma owner Ryan Friedkin is expected at the Trigoria training camp today for talks with coach Gian Piero Gasperini and new director of sport Tony D’Amico to clarify their transfer strategy.
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What happened
According to reports, Roma have turned down Atletico Madrid's first bid for Kone, making clear they will not sell below €60m. The negotiation is still in early stages, with Atletico expected to return with an improved offer. Roma are under no pressure to sell, as the player remains under contract. The stance signals Roma's strong financial demands heading into the transfer window.
Chance analysis
This is a typical opening-stage transfer negotiation where the selling club establishes a high anchor price. Roma's €60m valuation likely reflects both the player's quality and their reluctance to weaken their squad. If Atletico are genuinely interested, they will need to test Roma's resolve, potentially raising their bid significantly. This kind of standoff can drag on or accelerate depending on player pressure and Atletico's budget constraints.
Roma retain leverage in negotiations and are unlikely to lose Kone cheaply, while Atletico may need to raise their offer or pursue alternative midfield targets.
Monitor whether Atletico increase their bid or shift targets, as this will affect both Roma's midfield depth and Atletico's transfer strategy.