Arsenal v Liverpool
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Arsenal have been advised to keep a close watch on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation at Liverpool, as uncertainty grows over the French defender’s future at Anfield. The 26-year-old centre-back has become a key figure alongside Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s defence, but talks over a contract extension have reportedly stalled, raising the prospect of a high-profile exit next summer.
Konaté’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, and the France international is said to be disappointed with the terms offered in early negotiations. Real Madrid are believed to be monitoring developments closely, but Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has urged his former club to remain alert should Konaté become available, particularly on a free transfer.
Speaking to BetVictor, Winterburn praised Konaté’s quality but admitted it would be difficult for Arsenal to justify a move in their current defensive setup, which already includes William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and the anticipated arrival of highly-rated Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
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“The Ibrahima Konaté situation at Liverpool will be one to keep an eye on for Arsenal, he’s a strong Premier League player,” Winterburn said. “That said, it would depend on when he becomes available and where he fits into the team alongside Saliba and Gabriel. Modern players are more accepting of rotation than in my day, but any player would want to see a clear pathway into the starting XI before signing.”
Ibrahim Konate
Ibrahima Konate (Image credit: Getty Images)
Winterburn noted that while Arsenal have plenty of options at centre-back, football is unpredictable and opportunities may arise depending on future departures or injuries.
While speculation around defensive reinforcements continues, the Gunners’ primary focus this summer remains on strengthening their attack. Arsenal are locked in a two-way race for a new striker, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško the top names under consideration.
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Gyökeres, 27, has been prolific in Portugal, but his situation has been complicated by a contract dispute with Sporting. Winterburn welcomed Arsenal’s pursuit of a clinical finisher but issued a word of caution to the Swedish striker.
“What Arsenal need is a striker who can take chances in tight games,” he said. “They weren’t as sharp going forward last season, but they still created lots of chances. Now they need someone who can make the difference.”
He added: “Whatever Gyökeres has done at Sporting becomes irrelevant the moment he puts on an Arsenal shirt. He’ll be judged by what he delivers in North London—especially in big games. If he can do that, then the fans will quickly get behind him.”
With pre-season fast approaching, Arsenal are expected to ramp up transfer activity in the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of ending their long wait for Premier League glory after another second-place finish last season.
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