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Arsenal weighing move for Liverpool defender Konate
Arsenal are said to be keeping a close eye on Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konate, according to reports from TBR Football.
The French defender is attracting interest across Europe, with intermediaries informing clubs that he could be available on a free transfer next summer.
This has placed several teams, including Arsenal, on alert ahead of what could be one of the biggest defensive moves in the market.
TBR Football claims that Arsenal are among a host of clubs showing an interest in signing Konate, in what would be an audacious swoop on their rivals.
Arsenal monitoring defensive options
The north London club finished behind Liverpool in the Premier League last season.
They already boast a large pool of defenders, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori among the options at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
New signings Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have also added more depth to their defensive unit.
Despite the numbers, Arsenal remain open to strengthening their backline if the right opportunity presents itself.
Konate, 26, fits the profile of a defender with experience at the highest level, having been a key part of Liverpool’s recent title-winning campaign.
Interest from Europe’s elite
The France international has been strongly linked with Real Madrid, who are believed to be favourites should he leave Anfield.
Reports suggest Konate is delaying talks over a new contract, keeping the door open for a potential switch to Spain on a free deal.
It is not only Madrid and Arsenal who have been mentioned.
Bayern Munich are also showing interest, while intermediaries have let Chelsea and Manchester City know that the defender could be available without a transfer fee in the next window.
Konate has been an important figure in Liverpool’s backline, forming a reliable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
His pace, strength and ability to read the game have made him a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.
Liverpool, for their part, understand that the defender is not forcing an exit.
However, agents and representatives are already exploring possibilities for him, which could lead to a high-profile battle among Europe’s top clubs.
If Konate does decide to move on, it would leave a significant gap in Liverpool’s defence.
At the same time, it could provide Arsenal with the chance to secure a proven Premier League defender worth £52m [Transfermarkt] without a transfer fee.