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SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Ismaël Koné of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Ismael Kone has a €35 million release clause in his Sassuolo contract that is valid until the end of July, with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus all understood to be among the clubs interested in signing one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, via TuttoMercatoWeb, contacts between the parties are expected before the start of the World Cup, which Koné will feature in as a key member of the Canada squad.
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has also addressed the situation publicly. “I haven’t spoken with Inter or Milan about Koné, but it’s also true that we have had some requests from foreign clubs,” he said. “It’s possible that an Inter-Milan derby could emerge. We need to find the best situation for him, but at the same time for us too.”
Sassuolo open to Kone sale as Serie A giants circle ahead of World Cup
Milan sporting director Igli Tare has already publicly confirmed his club’s interest, and with the release clause set at a fixed figure, the race is likely to come down to the player’s preference rather than a negotiation over fee.
Inter and Juventus have also been linked with the Sassuolo man, in what promises to be a difficult battle for his signature.
As Carnevali noted, there is also interest from abroad in the Canadian, meaning Italian clubs will want to act fast to avoid missing out.
Koné will head into the summer with considerable leverage, having established himself as one of the most dynamic midfielders in Serie A this season.
