Chelsea and Arsenal interested in shock move to sign Liverpool star

Contract Talks Shape Liverpool’s Strategy

According to TBR Football, Liverpool remain intent on tying down Ibrahima Konate to a new long-term deal, even as whispers grow that some of their fiercest Premier League rivals are circling. The French defender has emerged as a central figure in Arne Slot’s reshaped system, recovering quickly from a tentative start to the campaign to anchor a defence that has helped deliver a flawless start to the season.

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Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are already monitoring developments, but what concerns Liverpool more is the prospect of domestic interest. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been alerted to the situation through intermediaries who have made it known that Konate could walk away for free in the summer.

Sources told TBR Football that Konate himself is not actively engineering an exit, yet agents are exploring the market as Liverpool continue to push for an agreement.

Premier League Rivals Monitor Situation

Graeme Bailey reported exclusively for TBR Football that Liverpool are well aware of the scenario. “The ideal scenario for Liverpool is a new contract for Konate and signing Guehi on a free, but this is football and obviously neither could happen,” he said.

Bailey also highlighted Liverpool’s willingness to compete at the highest level. “Richard Hughes has gone head-to-head with Europe’s finest this summer, bringing in the likes of Isak, Kerkez and Ekitike. Liverpool fear nobody, both on the pitch or off it. But with Konate, they are aware that it is not just the likes of Madrid and Munich who could try and make him an offer, but they accept that. Why wouldn’t someone like Chelsea make an offer if he is available on a free? Although clearly they hope it does not get to that point.”

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That point is not lost on Arsenal either, who have invested heavily in their back line and yet continue to explore options for depth and durability. For Chelsea, whose rebuild remains in flux, the prospect of securing Konate on a free transfer would represent both pragmatism and a nod to their long-term defensive project.

Liverpool’s Confidence in Extension

Despite the speculation, Liverpool are far from resigned to losing their defender. Negotiations have been ongoing, with discussions due in October reportedly progressing in a positive direction. While previous offers have been turned down, there is a belief within the club that a compromise can still be reached.

Konate has been integral since Liverpool triggered his £36 million release clause at RB Leipzig in 2021. Forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk, he has cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League. His potential departure would create both a footballing and symbolic void, at a time when the club are striving to build continuity under Slot.

Guehi on Multiple Radars

The pursuit of Marc Guehi offers another dimension to Liverpool’s defensive plans. The club insist their interest in Guehi is not linked to Konate’s situation, though both stories are now intertwined. Guehi, captain at Crystal Palace and a regular for England, will be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2026.

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Chelsea are confident of bringing back their academy graduate, while Liverpool are expected to compete for his signature when his deal expires. Palace’s leader has been courted ever since he departed Stamford Bridge in 2021, and his next move could well reshape the defensive landscape of English football.

For Liverpool, Konate’s injury record has always been balanced by his quality. With Giovanni Leoni sidelined by an ACL injury, the need to secure stability at centre-back becomes even more pressing. Losing Konate would not just weaken the squad, it would embolden rivals who sense opportunity.

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Many Arsenal supporters will see Konate as an ideal fit for their evolving defensive structure. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães already forming a strong pairing, adding another top-class centre-back would create the kind of depth that can sustain a title challenge and a European campaign. Arsenal’s recruitment has been about elite quality and Konate fits that profile.

Chelsea fans are likely to believe this could be their opportunity to reclaim a player who would give them defensive authority. With Guehi also on their radar, Stamford Bridge could become the home of England’s future central defence. Supporters know that their rebuild requires leaders and Konate, available on a free, ticks boxes in terms of pedigree and experience.

For Liverpool fans, this situation will be deeply unsettling. Konate has become central to the Slot era and losing him would feel like a regression. The positive noises about contract talks offer hope, but supporters are wary after seeing key players tempted away in similar situations. To them, extending Konate’s contract is not just business, it is a statement of intent that Liverpool remain a club capable of retaining world-class talent despite pressure from both domestic and European giants.

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