Real Madrid will look to sign a central defender in the summer, and that understandably has a number of top teams scrambling to avoid their top defensive talents being poached. Most concerned appear to Liverpool, who are in a vulnerable position when it comes to the future of Ibrahima Konate.
After Arsenal agreed a five-year deal with William Saliba, the France international was more or less wiped from Los Blancos’ shortlist for next summer. Konate on the other hand is reportedly keen to make a move to Real Madrid, and thus far has turned down any renewal offers, meaning he is available to sign on a free in just three months.
Difference between Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold
This would be especially painful for Liverpool, who saw academy hero and starting right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold poached in similar fashion. However the two cases are not exactly the same, at least according to ESPN‘s sources. While there is no doubt that Los Blancos are interested in Konate, there is some internal debate on the suitability of the 26-year-old Konate. They say that there is not the same degree of unanimity regarding Konate as there was when they pursued Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid alternatives
Another name that Los Blancos are keen on, as referenced by ESPN, is RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, although this past summer a sizable €90m price tag was placed on his head, which may scare off Real Madrid. The Athletic, as per Diario AS, say that Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano is another candidate alongside Konate, and do not make mention of Lukeba. Notably, reports recently stated Upamecano was keen on a switch to the Bernabeu – his contract is also up next summer.
Recent transfer policy at Real Madrid suggests that they are much more likely to pursue Konate or Upamecano, with Los Blancos rarely spending big on a player that is not in their early twenties, that they believe can make a major difference. Eder Militao’s performances this season could also play a major role in their thinking.
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