Manu Kone: Chelsea target's value 'doubles' after dazzling France display
Roma would reportedly want around £86million to sell Manu Kone in the January transfer window after Chelsea rejected the chance to sign him for £43m in the summer.
The 25-year-old was on the market after an impressive World Cup and was of interest to several Premier League clubs, but a move never materialised.
Even as the Blues scrambled for a midfielder on transfer deadline day after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, decision-makers chose a move for Monaco man Lamine Camara that would ultimately collapse.
Despite having been open to a move to the Premier League, Kone has returned well for Roma and France, starting the season in superb form.
He was excellent on Friday as Zinedine Zidane's side got their Nations League campaign off to a winning start by despatching Turkey 1-0.
Should Chelsea, or any other Premier League side, attempt to revive their interest in the January transfer window, they are set for a rude awakening.
Manu Kone's impressive stats vs Turkey
In a market that saw Ayyoub Bouaddi cost Manchester City £86m for almost potential alone, the decision not to sign Kone for £43m seems a bizarre one.
The midfielder has had some injury issues before, but enjoyed a superb World Cup for France and was surely an extremely low-risk signing.
Yet the 25-year-old remains in Italy, and has once again reminded the Premier League of their loss with his display on Friday.
Kone attempted five dribbles and completed all five - three more than anybody else on the pitch.
He also completed all four of his attempted long balls and was fouled four times, the joint-most of any French player.
Defensively, Kone excelled. He made a clearance, two interceptions, six recoveries and won a superb 12 duels.
Roma bump up Kone asking price
According to La Gazzeta dello Sport, Roma are expected to massively increase their asking price for Kone in January.
The market has dictated a far higher asking price, with the Italians expected to demand £86m to let the Frenchman leave mid-season.
At that price point, it is unlikely that Kone will be going anywhere before the end of the season.
Next summer, the 25-year-old will be into the final two years of his contract, and Roma will have less negotiating strength.