Man City eye Manu Kone as potential alternative to Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City have identified Roma midfielder Manu Kone as a potential alternative to Enzo Fernandez, according to the Daily Mail.

New manager Enzo Maresca is looking to restructure his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.

City are interested in Fernandez, but Chelsea’s £120 million valuation is a major stumbling block.

Their soft deadline for a deal has passed without a formal bid, with City unwilling to meet the Blues’ demands for the Argentina international.

Kone has emerged as another option on City’s shortlist.

The 25-year-old France international has spent the last two seasons at Roma, making 63 Serie A appearances and scoring four goals.

His energy, athleticism and ability to contribute without the ball make him an attractive option for Maresca, particularly following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

Roma value Kone at around £51m, a figure that would make him considerably cheaper than Fernandez.

Kone also started four of France’s matches at the recent World Cup and came on at half-time during their semi-final defeat by Spain.

The midfielder has previously attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, although the former are now pursuing Carlos Baleba.

Kone could be a shrewd acquisition

Signing Kone could ultimately be the smarter piece of business for City.

A fee of around £51m would be less than half Chelsea’s asking price for Fernandez.

Man City would still be acquiring a proven midfielder with international experience and significant room to develop.

Fernandez is undoubtedly the more established creative presence, but Kone offers a different profile.

His dynamism, defensive work and ability to cover ground could be particularly valuable in a City midfield that has lost Rodri’s influence.

Given City’s reluctance to overpay for Fernandez, the Roma midfielder could provide Maresca with greater value while addressing the physical demands of his revamped midfield.

Fernandez is not the number six profile that City need to stabilise the engine room. Kone fits the bill.