Arsenal are among a number of clubs in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s highly-rated French centre-half Ibrahima Konate, according to a report from the Evening Standard
The 21-year-old has had a torrid time due to injuries this season. He has only played eight times in the Bundesliga this term, but he is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the league.
Konate, a giant standing at 6ft 4in tall, is one of the best young centre-halves in the world. His potential is viewed as massive and some even say that he can turn out to become even better than his compatriot Dayot Upamecano.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
The young Frenchman is no stranger to links with a Premier League side. He was reportedly on the radar of Manchester United not too long ago, while Liverpool are still looking at him ahead of potential move this summer.
Sport Bild recently revealed that Konate has a release clause of £40 million in his contract. That is a very reasonable amount considering that someone like Harry Maguire cost Manchester United over twice as much as that.
Konate would definitely be an incredible signing for any club. Arsenal will have to go above and beyond to beat some of the best sides in the world for his signature, which is unlikely but not impossible.
Konate to replace David Luiz?
Luiz will be out of contract in the summer. The Brazilian may get another one-year deal at the club, but we need someone to take his place if and when he does leave.
Arsenal have William Saliba, but the Frenchman is yet to fully convince Mikel Arteta. His performances at Nice so far might aid his cause next season, and that would be the best thing for us – even if Konate is a more attractive name.
The RB Leipzig man is far more accomplished at the top level than Saliba, but it makes no sense to fork out £40 million when we’ve already got someone who can be just as good, if not better, in a few years’ time.
