Arsenal Eyeing Shock Move to Sign ‘Sensational’ Liverpool Star

Arsenal are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs who could pounce for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate if the Frenchman doesn’t extend his contract at Anfield.

TBR Football reports that there is a belief in the Merseyside giants’ camp that Konate is being eyed not only by clubs from abroad but also by English top-flight sides. His current deal expires next summer, and he’s already been linked with a move to Real Madrid to reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old isn’t thought to be pushing to join any club, but agents and intermediaries will study potential options for him. He’s been at Anfield since the summer of 2021 and has been a mainstay in Arne Slot’s starting XI since the Dutch coach took over.

Arsenal Among Potential Suitors For Liverpool’s Konate

If Mikel Arteta were to move for Konate, it would be somewhat of an odd occurrence given the Gunners are stacked with central defensive talent. They only just signed Spanish centre-back Christian Mosquera from Valencia in the summer for £13m, and he’s proven to be a bargain buy.

Konate’s experience could be persuasive, though, as he knows how to win the Premier League and star in a title-winning campaign. He has mostly been a rock in the heart of Liverpool’s defence under first Jurgen Klopp and now Slot.

It’s claimed that the defending champions “remain confident” that they can reach an agreement on an extension, but the threat from Madrid has been looming large. Other possible candidates to give the Spanish heavyweights competition include Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Graeme Bailey told the outlet above that the Reds’ higher-ups are “aware that it is not just the likes of Madrid and Munich who could try and make him an offer, but they accept that – why wouldn’t someone like Chelsea make an offer if he is available on a free?” The France international has been in continuous talks over an extension, although he has turned down offers since the summer.

Konate, dubbed “sensational”, wouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for William Saliba if he were to be targeted by Arteta and Andrea Berta. His fellow Frenchman has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal, ending speculation over his future and making his compatriot the only option for Madrid of their two reported top central defensive targets.