Latest on Chelsea’s interest in Monchengladbach midfielder who could replace Kante

Kouadio Manu Kone of Mönchengladbach runs off the ball.
Kouadio Manu Kone of Mönchengladbach runs off the ball. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images)

Chelsea FC is reportedly interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone to replace N’Golo Kante, who has been linked with a move away from the club.

According to reports, Chelsea scouts have been closely monitoring Kone’s performances this season and have been impressed with the Ivorian’s energy, work rate, and technical ability in midfield. The 20-year-old has made 23 appearances for Monchengladbach this season, contributing one goal and one assist.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is said to be a big admirer of Kone and sees him as a long-term replacement for Kante, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Kone, who was born in Ivory Coast but raised in France, joined Monchengladbach from Toulouse in 2021 for a reported fee of €9 million. He made an immediate impact at the club, helping them reach the knockout stages of the Champions League last season.

If Chelsea were to sign Kone, it would be seen as a major coup for the club, as he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.

However, Monchengladbach are unlikely to let Kone go without a fight, as they see him as a key part of their long-term plans. The club’s sporting director, Max Eberl, recently stated that Kone was “not for sale” and that they were “very happy with him.”

Despite this, Kone’s asking price could be around just £27m, which would be peanuts for the new Chelsea boss Todd Boehly. The German club are known for their shrewd business dealings, and it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to part with one of their prized assets.

If Chelsea were to sign Kone, it would be a statement of intent from the club, as they look to build a team capable of challenging for major honours in the years to come. Kone has the potential to be a world-class midfielder, and under Potter’s guidance, he could develop into a key player for Chelsea in the future.

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