Patrice Evra Urges Manu Kone to Join Arsenal

Patrice Evra has never been shy about an opinion, and this time the former Manchester United defender is pointing one of France’s brightest midfield talents straight towards north London.

The ex-Red Devils full-back has urged Manu Kone to seriously consider Arsenal as his next step, insisting the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder is built for the Premier League and for Mikel Arteta’s high-intensity project.

“I like Manu Kone's profile for the Premier League,” Evra told Stake, before reeling off the attributes English football demands. “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.

“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.”

Evra’s message is clear: the league will not wait for you, but Kone, in his eyes, has the engine and mentality to catch it at full speed.

Arsenal’s eyes on Guimaraes

There is a twist, though. While Evra talks up Kone in Arsenal colours, the club’s recruitment radar is locked on another midfielder already thriving in England.

Arsenal are currently prioritising a move for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions. The Brazilian has become one of the most coveted central midfielders in Europe, and his profile has drawn admiration from another great of the French game.

Chelsea legend Claude Makelele has given Arsenal’s pursuit his full backing, arguing that Guimaraes’ ambition and style are perfectly aligned with 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,” Makelele 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.”

Two greats of the modern era, Evra and Makelele, both pushing elite midfielders towards the Emirates. One eye on Kone’s potential, the other on Guimaraes’ proven class.

If Arsenal land even one of them, Arteta’s midfield – already the heartbeat of a title-winning side – could be about to gain a new conductor.