Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea uncovered as dream destination for Bundesliga midfielder with tumbling asking price

Leroy Sane and Kouadio Kone

The pieces might be falling into place for Chelsea to make another big signing after one of their latest targets confessed his long-standing admiration for the club.

Under Todd Boehly’s ownership group, Chelsea have been aggressive in the transfer market. Both last summer and in January, the club have brought in plenty of new players, spending more money than any other team with an outlay above £550million.

They may have to be more cautious and patient in the future, but that won’t stop them looking at the next talents they can bring into their regime.

One player they reportedly had their eyes on during the January transfer window, without managing to bring in, was Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, Kouadio Kone.

Also known as Manu Kone, the Frenchman has played 21 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring once. It has been a period of consolidation for his second season in Germany.

But Kone’s price tag seems to be reducing. According to Bild recently, Borussia Monchengladbach were originally holding out for €45m (£39.9m) for his transfer, but would now accept something closer to €30m (£26.6m).

And if Chelsea remain interested, they may be watching on with interest. After all, the 21-year-old has now namechecked the Blues as one of the clubs he has been passionate about from a young age.

Asked by Bild who he supported as a youngster, he replied: “Real Madrid and Chelsea.

“Real because Cristiano Ronaldo played there. And Chelsea, because that’s where Didier Drogba was. Those were my idols!”

Kouadio Kone coy over chance of future transfer

In theory, Kone could jump at the chance of being able to play for Chelsea. But for now, he remains under contract with Borussia Monchengladbach until 2025, with the option of a further year.

Therefore, he doesn’t need to be in any rush to join one of Europe’s elite clubs. Indeed, Kone has agreed he needs to focus on his current club for the time being.

He added: “I feel very comfortable at Borussia. The rumours about a move don’t bother me. I’m fully focused on the rest of the season. Then we’ll see what happens.”

Borussia Monchengladbach are currently 10th in the Bundesliga table after 22 games, which is the same position Chelsea currently occupy in the Premier League.

Other than Chelsea, Kone has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks.

He previously developed in his native France with Toulouse before joining Borussia Monchengladbach in 2021. Since then, he has made a total of 51 appearances, scoring four times.

Last year, he earned his first caps for the French under-21 national team, after previously playing at under-18 and under-19 level as well.

Kone appears to have a bright future, which could lead him to a destination like Chelsea in the long term. It must be said, though, that their links with him came before they broke the British transfer record to sign a different midfielder, Enzo Fernandez in January.

They also reportedly have plans to extend the stays of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante. Hence, their need for new midfielders might not be as immediate as initially thought.

Still, they are stockpiling young players for the future, so might judge Kone as someone worth incorporating into their ranks.

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