RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate is reportedly on the radar of Arsenal, with the player also being monitored by their Premier League rivals Chelsea.
According to an ESPN report, which cites SportBild as the source, there has been an increase in interest for the signature of RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate. The defender is on the radar of a trio of London clubs, with Chelsea, West Ham United and Arsenal all interested in the teenager. The Gunners are watching the defender’s performances closely, according to the report.
Ibrahima Konate came through the ranks at French club Sochaux before joining RB Leipzig in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer. Now valued at €18 million according to transfermarkt, Sochaux would be ruing their fortunes at not being able to retain the services of Konate.
While Konate is currently serving a suspension for accruing five yellow cards in the league, The 19-year-old has become a near-permanent member of the starting eleven at RB Leipzig, making a total of 27 appearances in all competitions so far in the 2018-19 campaign.
His consistent performances have caught the attention of a host of clubs, with Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal being three of them.
Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action and are keen on Konate. The Gunners are somewhat struggling in defence, despite having five central defenders as part of their first-team roster.
Rob Holding is injured; Konstantinos Mavropanos is not yet considered to have the ability and experience to be a regular face in the starting eleven while the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis and Shokdran Mustafi have performed rather inconsistently.
West Ham might have taken a cue from just how much of a success their purchase of Issa Diop has been. Konate could have a similar impact, which has seen the Hammers take notice.
For Chelsea, it could be about beefing up the options in what is likely to be a summer of rebuild for the club. David Luiz and Gary Cahill have less than six months left on their respective deals, which will leave Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and youngster Ethan Ampadu as the options at Maurizio Sarri’s disposal at the end of the season.
A towering presence at 6’4, Ibrahima Konate could just become the newest youngster to test the Premier League waters come summer. But, it will all likely depend on RB Leipzig’s stance as to the availability of the player along with the package and role the suitors will be prepared to offer to Konate.
