European titleholders Real Madrid have included Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in their pool of centre-back prospects, as per reports from Spain.
Acquiring a new central defender appears to be Real Madrid's main focus this summer.
In recent weeks, they have been closely associated with Arsenal's William Saliba, who has a contract with the Emirates until 2027.
Carlo Ancelotti presently possesses several top-tier choices at centre-back, but many have dealt with different injuries throughout the past two and a half seasons.
Eder Militao and David Alaba's long-term injuries have prompted Aurelien Tchouameni to partner with Antonio Rudiger, whereas 22-year-old Raul Asencio has been a key player this season.
Although Asencio delivered several strong performances in his 37 games, Real Madrid is expected to invest heavily in a new centre-back during the summer transfer window.
Saliba is often cited as the main target for Los Blancos, but they might also consider Liverpool’s Konate.
As reported by the Spanish site Fichajes, Konate is viewed as ‘a strong option’ for the Champions League champions, who are ‘ongoing with their future planning’.
Konate is said to be a player that Madrid is 'carefully observing', although the player has been evasive regarding his future at Anfield.
Nonetheless, the French national ‘is among the top priorities for reinforcements’.
At the Bernabeu, it is thought that 'the team requires a generational shift in defense' because of injury issues and Rudiger and Alaba being in their thirties.
Madrid aims to recruit a ‘young and dependable’ centre-back as a ‘priority’, which is noteworthy given Konate’s injury issues since joining Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig.
Konate’s contract will end next year, and his signing ‘has been suggested by Kylian Mbappe,’ his fellow France player.
The 25-year-old is currently concentrating on securing three trophies with Liverpool this season and wishes to steer clear of distractions, as interest from Madrid is certainly a distraction.
The La Liga giants will remain attentive to his contract status since Konate is an ideal match for the club’s objectives.
Konate isn't the sole Liverpool player connected to a transfer to the Spanish capital.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is their primary aim for the summer and can be signed on a free transfer.
Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk will all have their contracts expire at the season's conclusion, and there are no indications of a contract renewal for any of the essential trio from the Reds.
Arne Slot’s team is not allowing the contract matters to affect their season, however. They are now at the top of the Premier League standings, 13 points ahead of Arsenal in second place.
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