Why could Arsenal target Manu Kone decide to move this summer?
In addition, Johnson explained why Kone’s departure from Gladbach looks more likely this summer than it did last year.
He suggested that a combination of the club’s poor form may see the 22-year-old decide to try a new challenge, while the club may consider cashing in while the player’s stock is high.
“Kone is a player of interest and is probably someone who will be on the move this summer,” he said of the £40million-rated talent.
“It’s something that’s been discussed now for quite a while as he seems to have outgrown Borussia Monchengladbach, while the club too probably need something of a more far-reaching transitional period than the one that we’ve already seen.
“So I don’t think it’s impossible that they’ll look to cash in on Kone and rebuild so they can become more than just a mid-table team as they are at the moment, and look to get back more towards the European places.
“It’s not the first time Kone has been on the radar of several top clubs, but I’d say it’s more likely he’ll move this summer than in previous years.
“It also seems likely that the under-performance of Gladbach this year probably also means Kone’s asking price won’t be quite as daunting as it has been in the past to the teams who’ve looked at him before.”
Who is Arsenal target Manu Kone?
Kone joined Gladbach from Toulouse in January 2021, but spent the rest of the season on loan at the French club before linking up with his new employers in the summer.
The 22-year-old has made 81 appearances for the Bundesliga club, registering six goals and four assists.
Kone is also the captain of France’s Under-21s, having made his debut for them in March this year.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout lauded his display against Bayern Munich last February, deeming him a ‘one-man army’.
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga website likened Kone to Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham in 2023.
‘Physically imposing, quick, agile and a tireless worker, comparisons between Kone and Bellingham are inevitable,’ they wrote.
‘Gladbach’s midfield dynamo was even fifth in a Bundesliga top five headed by the former Borussia Dortmund ace for challenges won in 2022/23.
‘He was also his team’s second best passer across the campaign (87.91 percent success rate), as well as the division’s joint-most-fouled player along with Jonas Hector.’
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