SINSHEIM, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig at PreZero-Arena on December 16, 2020 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
According to German publication BILD (h/t Express), Chelsea are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate but face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has been with Leipzig since 2017, having joined from boyhood club FC Sochaux. During his time at the Saxony-based outfit, Konate has grown into a promising young centre-back with loads of potential.
Even though injuries have curtailed his impact, Konate’s stature remains high with a host of top clubs now lining up to sign him. Indeed, following Dayot Upamecano’s move to Bayern Munich was confirmed, the likes of Chelsea and United have turned their focus towards Konate.
Chelsea bolstered their backline last summer with Thiago Silva. And while the Brazilian has had a great impact, he will be 37 years old by the time the next season rolls on.
With Fikayo Tomori out on loan at AC Milan, who have the option of making the transfer permanent, Chelsea might need to bolster their depth in the defensive department in the summer.
So, adding another elite centre-back to the midst would serve the club well. And Konate, who could be available for just £38.9m in the summer, could prove to be a cost-effective signing for the Blues.
But with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool also interested in the Frenchman, the race to sign him up in the summer could get tricky.
Konate, so far, has featured 87 times for RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old Frenchman has a contract with the club that expires in the summer of 2023.
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