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Liverpool centerback Ibrahima Konate is not the only French defender on Real Madrid's radar this summer: both L'Equipe and AS are reporting that the 15-time Champions League winners are interested in coveted Arsenal defender William Saliba.
The 24-year-old joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne in 2019 but didn't make his Arsenal debut for several seasons after a series of loan spells. His contract with the club runs through 2027, but Arsenal is trying to convince him to put pen to paper on a new deal until 2032.
Madrid, which already signed Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, could be tempted to add both Konate and Saliba to its ranks, and the club looks to re-shuffle its aging center-back room.
The Spanish giants have pivoted to signing players on cut-rate or free transfers in recent years. In 2024, the club brought in Kylian Mbappe on a free (with some hefty agent and signing-on fees). In 2025, Los Blancos pried Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Liverpool, also on a free.
Instead of paying north of €100 million ($117.49 million) for Saliba this summer, Real Madrid will wait until next summer and attempt to sign the Arsenal man at a discount when his contract has just one year left.
Since his move to North London, Saliba has earned 28 caps for France. In his three seasons in England, he has also earned two spots in the Premier League's official Team of the Year.
The Reds put off bargain bids from Madrid this summer for Konate, though the club will likely attempt to sign the French international on a pre-contract during the 2025/26 campaign.
The 26-year-old is currently on £80,000 ($108,000) a week at Liverpool with just a year left on his deal. He's not shown much proclivity towards completing a new deal.
Konate started 30 times for coach Arne Slot as the Reds lifted the most recent Premier League season. After the title was secured, he assured fans in a touching Instagram post that he would be back next season.
“What a season! Thank you to all the fans for the love and support this year. You’ve been amazing from start to finish," Konate wrote “It’s been a great season for me and for the club, so many special moments, and of course winning our 20th Premier League title… unforgettable!
“Now it’s time to rest, enjoy the holidays, and come back even stronger (and you the fans because we’ll need your energy and voice as well). Next season, we go again! #YNWA”
Liverpool lacks tremendous center-back depth after selling Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. In 2025/26, the club will likely rely on Konate, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Joe Gomez at the position.
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