Report: Arsenal and Chelsea plotting surprise raid on Liverpool for “fantastic player”
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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté is attracting significant interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as Manchester City, amid ongoing contract uncertainty with the Reds. The French centre-back, 26, has reportedly rejected Liverpool’s contract extension offers despite the club proposing a lucrative five-year deal worth around €11 million annually, totaling €55 million gross. Konaté’s current contract expires in summer 2026, meaning Liverpool face a risk of losing him on a free transfer if no new agreement is reached.
Several sources confirm that Konaté has declined Liverpool’s advances, with his wage demands reportedly exceeding Liverpool’s latest offer. This contractual impasse has alerted top clubs across Europe, notably Real Madrid, who are also keen on signing him, with the Spanish side reportedly considering him a prime defensive target amid their own squad rebuilding.
Within the Premier League, Arsenal and Chelsea are poised to capitalize on Liverpool’s precarious contract situation. Both clubs, alongside Manchester City, are closely monitoring developments, potentially preparing to launch transfer bids. Konaté’s intermediaries have made it clear to these interested parties that the player could be available given his current stance.
Konaté joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for approximately £35 million and has a market value estimated at around €60 million. His importance to Liverpool’s defensive line is notable, yet the contract negotiation deadlock presents an opportunity for competitors to contest his signature. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has engaged multiple times to renew Konaté’s contract, but without success. The club is aware that retaining Konaté is crucial and aims to avoid losing him without compensation.
With growing transfer speculation and a contract year looming, a potential transfer battle could emerge soon. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid represent serious competition as Liverpool try to secure their defender’s future amid a complex negotiation landscape.
PP