According to Tuttomercato, Mandela Keita, who has long been monitored by Bologna, has been made the top priority by sporting director Giovanni Sartori for the team's future midfield.

Bologna is seeking midfield options for the next season, as Remo Freuler is likely to leave when his contract expires in June. The club is considering several players, including 23-year-old Belgian international Mandela Keita of Parma and Ismael Koné of Sassuolo. The defensive midfielder has one cap for Belgium, joined Parma in August 2024, and has made 26 appearances in Serie A this season, providing one assist. Keita's contract runs until June 2029, and he has also attracted interest from other clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Reports from February 2026 state that Parma's asking price is €25 million.