Chelsea's attempt to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone has collapsed despite reportedly reaching a 70 million euro (£60 million) agreement with the player and consultations with Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso, according to reports from France. The deal fell through because Roma could not find a suitable replacement for Kone, having previously failed in attempts to sign Youssouf Fofana from AC Milan and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille. Xabi Alonso, who was looking to strengthen his midfield options ahead of Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City, sought advice from his former Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé about Kone. Mbappé gave a positive evaluation of Kone, who plays for the French national team, which likely influenced Chelsea's decision to move forward with the transfer. Shortly after, it was reported that Chelsea had reached personal terms with Kone, who was eager to move to Stamford Bridge. However, Roma ultimately blocked Kone's departure, as they were unable to secure a replacement. The club had made unsuccessful bids for Fofana and Hojbjerg, which prevented the transfer from going through. Despite this, Chelsea had also attempted to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, but that deal also collapsed. Enzo Fernandez was still allowed to join Manchester City in a £125 million deal, despite the failed attempts to bring in Kone. Foot Mercato reported that Alonso had consulted Mbappé about Kone before the failed transfer attempt, highlighting the involvement of high-profile figures in the process.