{
  "id": 5506417,
  "title": "Transfer: Mbappe convinced Alonso to sign £60m star for Chelsea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/transfer-mbappe-convinced-alonso-to-sign-60m-star-for-chelsea",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T06:31:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/04/transfer-mbappe-convinced-alonso-to-sign-60m-star-for-chelsea/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a summer transfer move, Chelsea's manager Xabi Alonso turned to Kylian Mbappe for advice, which ultimately led to the signing of Roma midfielder Manu Kone for a fee of £60 million. According to Foot Mercato, Alonso sought Mbappe's counsel before approving Chelsea's offer for Kone. Following Enzo Fernandez's departure from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea had listed Kone as a potential midfield target. Kone's performance in Italy, coupled with his World Cup success with France, had boosted his reputation and attracted attention from Premier League clubs. However, despite Chelsea's initial interest and the agreement in principle, the deal did not proceed due to Roma's inability to find a suitable replacement. Chelsea also faced challenges in securing Lamine Camara from Monaco, while Fernández joined Manchester City for £125 million. Alonso consulted Mbappe, a former Real Madrid player, regarding Kone and praised his former teammate, which swayed Chelsea's decision. With Romeo Lavia's injury concerns and Moises Caicedo's recent issues, Chelsea may be missing a crucial piece in midfield this season.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe convinced Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso to sign Roma midfielder, Manu Kone this summer. According to Foot Mercato, the Chelsea manager sought Mbappe’s advice before approving Chelsea’s offer for Kone. Chelsea included Kone on their list of potential midfield targets following Enzo Fernandez’s decision to leave Stamford Bridge. Kone attracted interest […]…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}