Liverpool won’t be happy about the Arsenal news that emerged on Thursday morning.
The Gunners and the Merseysiders have formed something of a rivalry over the last two years, as the two teams have been battling against each other in pursuit of the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s side finished ten points behind Arne Slot’s outfit last season, and will be hoping to close this gap and get the better of the north-west club this term.
The North Londoners may have just made a significant move that will help them do this over the next three or four years.
Ibrahima Konate could be going to Real Madrid after William Saliba agrees new Arsenal contract
David Ornstein broke news on Thursday morning that William Saliba has agreed to a new five-year contract at Arsenal.
The Frenchman will commit his future to Arteta’s project, signing a lucrative new deal that will see him remain in N5 until 2030.
Saliba has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in the past six or seven months, with many reports indicating that Los Blancos were prepared to wait until his contract expired before snapping the defender up for free.
The Spanish giants now no longer have this option available to them, and they’re unlikely to be willing to pay the Gunners’ excessive asking price for Saliba any time soon.
Instead, they may well look elsewhere in their pursuit of a long-term partner for Dean Huijsen at the heart of their defence.
Ibrahima Konate may now become Xabi Alonso’s primary centre-back target. The France international’s deal at Anfield expires next summer, and there’s little indication that he’s prepared to agree to fresh terms.
Thus, if Real Madrid want Konate, there’s little stopping them from luring him to the Bernabeu.
If Saliba hadn’t agreed a new deal with Arsenal, it’s possible that the La Liga club would’ve been willing to wait until 2027 to sign their new marquee centre-back, but now this is no longer an option, they’ll likely move for Konate.
Liverpool will therefore not be happy about Andrea Berta’s contract negotiations with Saliba progressing significantly.
Ibrahima Konate’s statistics vs William Saliba’s statistics
Konate and Saliba generally play alongside each other for France, with the Arsenal man normally pushed to the left-hand side of the partnership.
While similar players, the Gunners’ star is comfortably superior, and Real Madrid will certainly be slightly disappointed that they haven’t been able to land him.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (All Competitions) | ||
| Stat | Konate | Saliba |
| Appearances | 31 | 35 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90.2% | 94.3% |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 4.05 | 4.08 |
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2.61 | 1.8 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.41 | 1.83 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 0.6 | 0.62 |
Both are competent on the ball, but Saliba’s magnetic touch allows him to retain possession better, as he’s able to use his exceptional close control to evade pressure from the opposition.
Defensively, Konate is arguably stronger in the air, but Saliba is better at sweeping and dealing with pacy attackers by using his awareness and athleticism.
Ultimately, both are outstanding defenders, and Liverpool won’t be delighted that they’re likely set to lose their man.
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