Chelsea can sign their own Yaya Toure in huge transfer deadline day move

Chelsea could seal the transfer of a France international compared to Paul Pogba and Yaya Toure

Chelsea are interested in agreeing a deal with Roma to sign highly-rated midfielder Manu Kone. The France international is one of the options the Blues are looking at in midfield ahead of the transfer window shutting, although a deal is complicated by Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini's reluctance to part ways with him.

Sky Sports reports that a £52 million deal for Kone has been discussed. The midfielder has made 84 appearances for Roma over two full seasons, with 10 goal contributions to his name in Italy.

The 25-year-old has earned strong acclaim from former France manager Didier Deschamps, who made mention of ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba. While revealing Pogba was one of his idols, Kone himself also previously said he has based his game on another former top Premier League midfielder in Yaya Toure.

READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Chelsea explore incomings and outgoings!

Speaking to Sky Sports last year, the midfielder discussed his two idols and said he wants to be compared to them. He said: "I had two favourite players. The first is Pogba, it’s incredible what he did at Juventus and with France, he represented a lot for our national team.

"He was one of my idols, like Yaya Toure. They both had enormous careers, but I think that for my qualities and my style of play I can be compared a little to them."

Pogba's performances for France earned him acclaim across the globe, especially during the country's World Cup win in 2018. He was also an incredible talent in England after earning a then-world-record £89m transfer to United.

The former United star made 233 appearances for the Red Devils, making 90 goal contributions and winning the Europa League. Toure is also regarded as an extremely talented midfielder, playing for the likes of Monaco, Barcelona and Manchester City.

The Ivory Coast international won three Premier League titles with City as well as the Champions League in Spain and the Africa Cup of Nations with his country. The 43-year-old's time in England earned him cult hero status, with 316 appearances, 82 goals and 45 assists during an eight-year period at City.

Kone's performances with France have captured attention and also impressed his former national team boss. Two years ago, Kone shone brightly in a 2-0 win over Belgium in just his second appearance for his country.

His hard work in midfield earned praise from Deschamps, but the then-manager refused to get too excited about Kone. At the time, he said: "He played a good game despite receiving an early yellow card. It’s not ideal for a defensive midfielder.

"I would have acted differently if it was a knockout match. I remember that Paul Pogba got a red card in his first [France] game. I don’t want to compare him to Paul, as he still has a long way to go."

Despite Deschamps' refusal to believe the hype, Kone's own comparisons showcase just how talented a player Chelsea could sign. The midfielder's high praise for his skills highlights confidence and belief that he can bring exactly what Xabi Alonso needs this season.

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