Al Ahli has entered the race to sign French midfielder Manu Kone, the Roma star, during the current summer transfer window, amid growing interest from several top European clubs, led by Manchester United, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Al Ahli has initiated initial contacts with Roma's management and the player's representatives to explore the possibility of completing the deal, a step that could develop into more serious negotiations in the coming period.

Despite Kone being occupied with his summer vacation after his participation in the World Cup, his future has become one of the most prominent issues at Roma, amid ongoing communication between his agent and the clubs interested in signing him.

The report indicated that Roma's management does not object to the departure of the French midfielder, but they insist on receiving a financial offer that matches his technical value, as the club's sporting director, Frederic Massara, refuses to let go of one of the team's key players for an amount below the club's expectations.

Roma needs to generate financial returns during the transfer market, either to comply with Financial Fair Play rules or to strengthen the transfer budget, which pushes them to wait for strong competition among the clubs interested in the player's services.

Manchester United in the lead.. Al Ahli waiting

According to the newspaper, Manchester United remains the most advanced party in the race to sign Kone, after continued contacts with the player's representatives and reaching initial understandings, while Roma awaits an official offer that could approach €50 million.

In contrast, Atletico Madrid remains in the competition circle, despite its interest temporarily waning after Roma rejected a previous offer worth €40 million.

As for Saudi club Al Ahli, it continues to study the deal, seeking to bolster the midfield with a heavyweight signing, but completing it may first require freeing up a spot in the foreign player list, a step that could delay negotiations without ending the club's interest.

Roma raises demands to over €60 million

The report explained that the entry of more than one club into the negotiations could give Roma an opportunity to raise its financial demands, as the Italian club aims to obtain a sum exceeding €60 million in exchange for letting Kone go.

Chelsea also remains among the clubs expected to enter the competition, especially if it makes changes to its midfield during the summer transfer window.