Chelsea transfer bid for Manu Kone collapses

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso reportedly consulted Kylian Mbappe regarding midfielder Manu Kone before sanctioning a transfer bid for the player. Alonso sought advice from the Real Madrid striker, who provided positive feedback on his French international teammate.

Chelsea had reached an agreement with AS Roma for a deal worth approximately £60 million after Enzo Fernandez departed for Manchester City. Although personal terms were agreed upon with the 25-year-old, the transfer collapsed because Roma failed to secure a replacement. The Italian club's attempts to sign Youssouf Fofana from AC Milan or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille were unsuccessful.

In addition to the Kone deal falling through, Chelsea's attempt to sign Lamine Camara from AS Monaco also failed at the last minute, despite a reported £50 million agreement between the clubs.