Inter and Arsenal-linked Koné ‘will talk’ about Roma future after the World Cup

Inter and Arsenal-linked Koné ‘will talk’ about Roma future after the World Cup Linked with Inter and Arsenal in recent days, Roma and France midfielder Manu Koné insists that he will ‘talk’ about his future at the Stadio Olimpico only after the World Cup. France and Roma midfielder Koné briefly spoke about his future with the Giallorossi in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. Koné ‘only thinking about the World Cup’ amid Inter and Arsenal rumours “Honestly, right now I’m only thinking about the World Cup. It’s my first major international competition, a tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing in,” Koné said. “I want to remain exclusively focused on this. We’ll talk about the future after the World Cup and see what happens.” Koné is a long-time Inter target as the Nerazzurri already tried to sign him last summer. A recent report from the French newspaper  L’Equipe has also linked the Roma midfielder to Arsenal. “My goal is always to be ready for the coach and the team. It’s true I played a lot in qualification, but today we have a squad full of great players,” continued the Roma midfielder. ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) “There will be many matches, and I naturally hope to play as much as possible, but the priority is to be useful.” Koné has been a regular starter under Gian Piero Gasperini, playing a key role in Roma’s return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018. However, he also had a couple of fitness issues during the 2026-27 campaign, which made him fear he could miss out on the World Cup. “Yes, I had two hamstring problems that slowed down the end of my season with Roma, and when a competition like the World Cup approaches, it’s normal to worry,” he admitted. LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Manu Konè of AS Roma warms up prio the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) “However, I maintained faith in myself and the work I was doing. I told myself that if I did everything correctly, I would be back in time. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.” Koné also answered a question on France superstar Kylian Mbappé and whether the Real Madrid ace might feel more pressure than his teammates in this season’s World Cup. “I don’t think so. He’s a champion who has always delivered in the most important moments, both for the national team and his clubs,” Koné concluded. “We know he’ll be ready. It’s a competition he loves and wants to win. We have full confidence in him. He’s our captain, and we are convinced he will do great things. I do not doubt that.”