It was a hectic transfer window for Manu Koné (25), who, ultimately, didn’t go anywhere. The France international remained at AS Roma, despite significant interest from the Premier League throughout the summer.

Koné was strongly linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. It was reported that a verbal agreement was even struck with Chelsea, who were in the market for a box-to-box midfielder. He was seemingly the backup option to AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara, who, like Koné, didn’t go anywhere this summer.

Instead, following a successful FIFA World Cup campaign on an individual level, Koné continues to play an important role at Roma. In six appearances in all competitions, he has already scored twice. And his full attention is on the Serie A giants, despite a summer of speculation.

“Things happened,” admitted Koné, who started in Les Bleus’ win over Turkiye earlier in the international break. “I am at Roma. I am focused. We have objectives. I am an AS Roma player, and I will give 100% for this club,” he added in Wednesday’s press conference.