Liverpool could face competition for the signature of RB Leipzig central defender Ibrahima Konate as Arsenal join the race according to a report from the Evening Standard.
The coveted France Under 21 international has attracted plenty of admirers and the Gunners join a long list of club’s keen to sign the 21-year-old this summer, with Liverpool named as the main contenders.
Konate’s defensive partner Dayot Upamecano was also a target for the Reds before he confirmed a summer transfer switch to Bayern Munich.
However, Jurgen Klopp is reported to favour Konate and could therefore prioritise the 6’3 colossus as the German looks to bolster the defence – something that is desperately required.
This season for Konate, who was billed as being ‘good enough for Real Madrid or Barcelona’ by former coach Ralf Ranganik, has been plagued by injury and as such has only made eight league appearances.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Given what has transpired this season, Kopites won’t be enamoured with the idea of signing a potentially injury-prone centre-back.
Vastly talented, a fully fit Konate would have plenty to offer Klopp’s squad, but fitness woes are a blinding bright red flag – even with an affordable release clause written into his contract, he could be best avoided.
This shouldn’t mean Liverpool don’t sign a centre-back, however, especially as the jury remains very much out on Ozan Kabak.
The deadline day loan signing from Bundesliga basement side Schalke hasn’t set the world alight in his short Anfield career to date and could face a battle to earn a permanent transfer.
