Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe convinced Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso to sign Roma midfielder, Manu Kone this summer.
According to Foot Mercato, the Chelsea manager sought Mbappe’s advice before approving Chelsea’s offer for Kone.
Chelsea included Kone on their list of potential midfield targets following Enzo Fernandez’s decision to leave Stamford Bridge.
Kone attracted interest from Premier League teams following two consecutive impressive seasons in Italy and further enhanced his reputation during the World Cup with France.
On transfer deadline day, reports indicated that Chelsea were poised to acquire Kone; however, the deal ultimately fell through, leaving him at Serie A club Roma.
Chelsea also encountered difficulties in their attempt to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, while Fernandez was still permitted to join Man City for a fee of £125 million.
Foot Mercato reports that Alonso, eager to strengthen his midfield following Fernandez’s exit, consulted his former Real Madrid player, Mbappe, regarding his French teammate Kone.
Mbappe provided a highly favourable assessment of Kone, and shortly afterwards, Chelsea reached an agreement for a fee of €70 million (£60 million), exceeding the anticipated asking price.
It is reported that Chelsea also agreed personal terms with Kone, who was enthusiastic about the prospect of moving to Stamford Bridge, before the deal ultimately collapsed.
In the end, Roma blocked Kone’s departure as they were unable to secure a suitable replacement, having failed in their attempts to sign Youssouf Fofana from AC Milan and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille.
The failure to secure Kone and Camara may leave Chelsea lacking in midfield this season, particularly given Romeo Lavia’s long-term injury concerns and Moises Caicedo’s recent issues.