Arsenal eyeing move to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate

Arsenal are reportedly among a group of Premier League clubs monitoring the contract situation of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, who could become a free agent next summer.

Arsenal Join Race for Liverpool Defender Ibrahima Konaté

The French international’s current deal at Anfield expires in June 2026, and with no new agreement yet reached, his future remains uncertain.

This has alerted several top clubs, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all linked with a potential move for the 26-year-old centre-back.

According to reports, Konaté is not actively pushing for a transfer but has turned down extension offers from Liverpool since the summer.

Negotiations between the player’s representatives and the club have proven difficult, creating an opening for rival teams to swoop in.

Real Madrid are also heavily interested and are closely monitoring developments, especially after missing out on another defensive target, William Saliba, who recently committed his long-term future to Arsenal.

However, sources indicate there is not unanimous agreement within the Spanish club about pursuing Konaté.

A move for Konaté would be somewhat unexpected given Arsenal’s defensive depth.

Manager Mikel Arteta has already strengthened his backline this summer with the signings of Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera, who joins the established partnership of Saliba and Gabriel.

Konaté’s major appeal lies in his proven Premier League experience and title-winning pedigree, having been a key part of Liverpool’s triumphant 2024-25 campaign.

His close friendship with international teammate Saliba could also be a persuasive factor, with Konaté previously describing the Arsenal defender as “like a brother”.

For now, Liverpool remain confident of securing an extension, but the coming months will be crucial.

If a new contract is not signed, a bidding war for one of the league’s most commanding defenders could erupt in January.