Chelsea miss out on transfer chance as £86m decision made after bid response

Roma have reportedly raised their asking price for midfielder Manu Kone to £86 million following summer interest from Chelsea. The Premier League club reportedly had an approach of around £50 million rebuffed late in the summer window, while Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico confirmed Chelsea made preliminary contact without submitting an official offer.

Under Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the France international has taken on an expanded attacking role, scoring two goals in a recent 2-2 draw with Inter. Roma's increased valuation for a potential permanent transfer is reportedly influenced by other massive midfielder deals completed across Europe during the summer.