Arsenal handed DREAM William Saliba news

Cameron Smith

4 Mar 2025 20:00 GMT
3 min read

William Saliba, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Real Madrid reportedly remain interested in signing Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate during the 2025 summer transfer window.

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Los Blancos have struggled with a defensive injury crisis so far this season and they are expected to sign at least one new centre-back this summer after missing out on Leny Yoro in 2024.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has been identified as their priority target, although Real Madrid have now turned their attention to Konate and they are set to pursue a summer deal for the Frenchman, according to Le Parisien.

Reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain has been shut down by Get French Football News, but Konate could be set to secure a lucrative move to the Santiago Bernabeu later this year.

The Liverpool star has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract at Anfield and the Reds could be tempted into a sale if Real Madrid lodge a suitable bid this summer.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are determined to keep Saliba and they are planning on initiating contract extension talks with the France international when the 2024-25 campaign draws to a close.

As a result, Real Madrid’s renewed interest in Konate will be seen as hugely positive news by those in charge in north London.

© IMAGO - Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate

What has Ibrahima Konate said?

When asked about interest from Real Madrid and PSG, Konate recently told Telefoot: “Hearing big clubs like that being interested is very flattering, but now I’m focusing on this season.

“I want to win everything - take as many titles as possible and then everything that happens in relation to my contractual situation. It’s my agents, my advisors who take care of that.”

Konate has made 120 first-team appearances for Liverpool since his €40m move from RB Leipzig in 2021, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €51.8m.