Serie A side Roma could have lost Manu Kone earlier today, as Chelsea were keen on signing him as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
The deal seemed to be gaining traction until Gian Piero Gasperini put his foot down and held the deal back from going through.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have now added some insight into how things transpired. They report that the Friedkins were contacted directly by the Chelsea ownership regarding a move for the midfielder.
The deal was set to go through for €60 million plus a loan with an option to buy for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the winger that Gasperini had strongly sought. In fact, a meeting to finalise the details of the move was set for 12pm Italian time.
Soon, the news reached Gasperini, who was left furious about the club’s decision.
He had expressed his willingness to keep Kone as recently as last night. The Italian sees the Les Bleus star as a key player for his side and he also impressed against Lecce on Monday.
Gasperini soon contacted sporting director Tony D’Amico and the duo then took up the issue with the Friedkins. This led to the deal stalling and then eventually falling through.
Roma had already started exploring alternatives for Kone, with AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana emerging as a candidate.
But now, Kone’s stay gives them a huge boost, especially as they can mount a title charge. Losing the France international when things seem to be going perfectly fine would’ve come as a blow to momentum and Gasperini isn’t easy to deal with, when things don’t go his way.
So all things considered, Roma avoided a disaster.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN
