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UEFA Champions League

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Chelsea Benfica

30/09/25 21:00:00

1.62 4.00 5.25

 PUBLICIDAD

Ibrahima Konaté has become one of the most coveted names in the European defensive market, with Arsenal and Chelsea ready to compete with Real Madrid for his signing when his contract with Liverpool ends in the summer of 2026.

Konaté, 26, is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield, sparking rumors about a potential free transfer. Liverpool is trying to keep him by offering a renewal, but there is no agreement yet, as reported by English media.

The English club signed him from RB Leipzig in 2021 for around £35 million, and he has since been a key player forming a partnership with Virgil van Dijk. He has played in over 120 official matches, contributing with goals and assists, although he has also had minor injury issues. 

Real Madrid Favorite, But Facing Serious Competition

Real Madrid's interest is not new. Several sources indicate that they consider him a priority to strengthen a defense that has uncertainties, especially due to the age and injuries of Alaba, Rüdiger, or Militao. 

However, Arsenal and Chelsea have also joined the bidding war. Chelsea, in particular, has been linked with an offer close to €50 million to force the transfer if Liverpool does not renew Konaté. The Gunners, under Arteta's leadership, aim to secure reliable defenders for the future. 

Price, Value, and Possible Free Transfer

Liverpool has set an indicative price of around €60 million to let him go now, but they know that if they wait until the summer of 2026, they could lose him without receiving a transfer fee with a Bosman clause. 

Konaté has turned down contract renewal offers that do not meet his salary expectations, making it challenging for the club to reach an agreement soon. This fuels the idea that he could leave for free if no one pays what he demands. Real Madrid has an advantage if they act patiently.

Defensive Asset: Why Konaté Is in High Demand

For Real Madrid, signing Konaté would mean an elite reinforcement, a sturdy partner for Huijsen, and a guarantee against injuries that have affected Militao or Alaba. 

In Chelsea's case, the need for depth in the center of the defense is real, especially given the physical concerns of some center-backs and the demand to compete on multiple fronts within the Premier League. Arsenal also does not want to fall behind: they aspire to secure a reliable center-back for the upcoming season. 

Ibrahima Konaté is at a pivotal moment in his career. Real Madrid seems to be the front-runner, thanks to the Bosman strategy, long-standing interest, and ability to offer a clear defensive project. But Arsenal and Chelsea are on the hunt, ready to fight for him if Liverpool fails to secure him. The question is not if Konaté will change clubs but when and by whom he will be signed.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 2 rivales del Real Madrid por el fichaje de Ibrahima Konaté