Patrice Evra urges £51m Manchester United target to join Arsenal

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra (Picture: Getty)

Patrice Evra has urged Manchester United target Manu Kone to join Arsenal , insisting the France World Cup star ‘can do well’ at the Premier League champions.

A number of top clubs have expressed interest in signing Roma midfielder Kone following his impressive World Cup campaign.

The 25-year-old featured in five of France’s eight World Cup fixtures, coming on at half-time in their semi-final defeat to eventual winners Spain .

Kone had caught the eye of several clubs even before the World Cup having enjoyed a superb season for Serie A side Roma.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move earlier in the summer but Manchester United emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature during the World Cup .

Michael Carrick wants to bring one more midfielder to Old Trafford following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

United are admirers of Kone and have already held talks with both the player and Roma to discuss a deal , with the Italians wanting around £51m to sanction his departure.

France and Roma star Manu Kone (Picture: Shutterstock)

Evra has backed his fellow countryman Kone to thrive in the Premier League and says he should consider a move to Arsenal fresh off their title win.

‘I like Manu Kone’s profile for the Premier League,’ the United legend told Stake . ‘He has energy, he carries the ball, he likes duels and he works for the team.

‘All of those things matter in England. The Premier League is faster. You don’t get time to breathe. So the important thing is adaptation. Don’t judge him after five games.

Manchester United summer signing Youri Tielemans (Picture: Getty)

‘If he goes to Arsenal with a manager who knows how to use him, I think he can do well. He definitely has the tools. Then it is about consistency.’

Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder but that player is expected to be Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes .

The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal but is waiting for Newcastle to sanction his exit from St James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new midfielder (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea legend Claude Makelele has endorsed Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimaraes, insisting he would be a ‘perfect’ addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

‘Bruno Guimaraes is an ambitious player who sees his career one way: Champions League football, always, and teams built to win titles in Europe,’ he told ComeOn .

‘Arsenal tick every box. They won the Premier League, they’ve gone deep in the Champions League, and they’re built to go again.

‘It’s always right for a good player to join a great team, and Arsenal have done great business.

‘Bruno Guimaraes is a very good player, exceptional, as we saw with Brazil. It’s his career and his decision, but his game fits Arsenal perfectly.’

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence with a home match against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.

Manchester United, meanwhile, kick-start what they hope will be a successful campaign a day later against Hull City.