---
title: "Arsenal join Liverpool in Ibrahima Konate pursuit"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/arsenal-join-liverpool-in-ibrahima-konate-pursuit/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-03-05T18:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-03-05T18:00:00Z"
---

# Arsenal join Liverpool in Ibrahima Konate pursuit

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/03/05/liverpool-fans-react-as-ozan-kabak-could-miss-fulham-clash-through-injury/)could face competition for the signature of RB Leipzig central defender[Ibrahima Konate](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/02/22/liverpool-man-united-and-chelsea-all-keen-on-signing-ibrahima-konate/) as Arsenal join the race according to a report from the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ibrahima-konate-arsenal-transfer-target-mikel-arteta-wants-rb-leipzig-defender-in-summer-b922031.html).

The coveted [France Under 21 international](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ibrahima-konate/nationalmannschaft/spieler/357119/verein_id/9323) has[attracted plenty of admirers](https://talksport.com/football/843980/arsenal-chelsea-man-united-race-rb-leipzig-defender-ibrahima-konate/) 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](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/media-watch/424445-bayern-chief-claims-liverpool-interest-in-dayot-upamecano-transfer) before he[confirmed a summer transfer](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/14/bayern-munich-beat-manchester-united-and-liverpool-to-dayot-upamecano) switch to Bayern Munich.

However, Jurgen Klopp is[reported to favour Konate](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-liverpool-ibrahima-konate-transfer-23609387)and could therefore prioritise the 6’3 colossus as the German looks to [bolster the defence](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liverpool-desperately-need-to-sign-a-defender-murphy-says/87gq1fcb5jne1fszap0br1h1t) – 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](https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2020/prospect-ibrahima-konate/), has been[plagued by injury](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ibrahima-konate/leistungsdaten/spieler/357119)and as such has only made [eight league appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ibrahima-konate/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357119/saison/2020/wettbewerb/L1/verein/23826).

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Given [what has transpired](https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpools-defensive-crisis-klopp-has-no-idea-if-reds-will/jwe17r0ekcxm1fse0usc8d0jh) 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](https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/ibrahima-konate-rb-leipzigs-latest-french-talent/) Klopp’s squad, but [fitness woes](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ibrahima-konate/verletzungen/spieler/357119) are a blinding bright red flag – even with an [affordable release clause](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8941605/Arsenal-want-RB-Leipzig-defender-Ibrahima-Konate-pay-45m-release-clause.html)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](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ozan-kabak-liverpool-leicester-soyuncu-23497886) on Ozan Kabak.

The deadline day loan signing from Bundesliga basement side Schalke [hasn’t set the world alight](https://www.sofascore.com/player/ozan-kabak/857740) in his short Anfield career to date and could face a battle to [earn a permanent transfer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55897340).