Manu Kone is being watched by Arsenal, FootballTransfers has been informed.
In the unlikely event that the Gunners are unable to sign Martin Zubimendi, one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets to bolster the midfield, the 22-year-old is viewed as a viable backup.
It was exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers last week that Arsenal was putting together a pay deal for the Basque to see if he would consider leaving his home team.
The north London team would be willing to activate Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause, but it’s not certain if the San Sebastian native is prepared to leave Real Sociedad.
Why Kone is desired by Arsenal
Arsenal would be ready to turn their focus to Kone if Zubimendi really did reject to go or if he was signed by another team.
The Frenchman was once one of Gladbach’s best players, but he has had a challenging season. FootballTransfers said that he was strongly linked to a move to Liverpool last year, but the Reds ultimately recruited more well-known midfielders.
Due to injury and suspension, Kone has only played in 18 Bundesliga games this season, but he is still regarded as a highly talented player. The aggressive young player is skilled with the ball and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty.
Kone is far more of an attacker than Thomas Partey, who may not have much longer at the club, or Zubimendi.
In February, we revealed that Partey will have one more opportunity to demonstrate his health and earn a contract extension in the last few games of the campaign. The Ghanaian is willing to stay, but he is open to going back to La Liga.
Kone has six goals and four helpers in 81 games with Gladbach. The Foals exercised a one-year option in his contract in October 2023, extending his stay with the team until 2026.
Kone has an estimated transfer value (ETV) of just €11.6 million at the moment, down from a peak of €21 million. Kone does not have a release clause.
