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Kylian Mbappe told Xabi Alonso to sign £60m star for Chelsea
Sep 03 2026 14:50 · By Louis Sealey · 3 Reads
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe (Picture: Getty)
Xabi Alonso consulted Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe before sanctioning Chelsea’s bid for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to reports in France.
Chelsea placed Kone on their list of possible midfield targets as Enzo Fernandez closed in on a move to Manchester City.
Kone attracted interest from Premier League clubs after back-to-back impressive seasons in Italy and did his reputation no harm during the World Cup for France.
It was reported on transfer deadline day that Chelsea were set to sign Kone, but the deal fell through and he remained at Serie A side Roma.
Chelsea also failed in a bid to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco but Fernandez was still allowed to join Man City in a deal worth £125m.
Foot Mercato say Alonso, keen to bolster his midfield options ahead of Fernandez’s departure, consulted his former Real Madrid player Mbappe about his France teammate Kone.
Mbappe gave Kone a glowing review and soon after Chelsea agreed a deal worth 70m euros (£60m), which was more than his expected asking price.
Chelsea tried to sign Manu Kone from Roma (Picture: Getty)
It is claimed Chelsea also agreed personal terms with Kone, who was keen to move to Stamford Bridge, before the deal collapses.
Ultimately Roma blocked Kone from leaving as they could not find a suitable replacement, failing in their efforts to sign Youssouf Fofana from AC Milan and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerd from Marseille.
The failure to sign Kone and Camara may leave Chelsea short in midfield this season, especially given Romeo Lavia’s long-term injury issues and Moises Caicedo’s recent setbacks.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
Following his move to the Etihad Stadium, Fernandez said: ‘Manchester City are the most successful club in England in recent times.
‘Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are.
‘I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.