Chelsea look set to miss out on the signing of Ibrahima Konate, who is leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this month.
It was recently reported that Chelsea had made an enquiry about signing Konate as they look to strengthen their central defence.
However, the 27-year-old is closing in on a move to Real Madrid, meaning that the Blues will now have to turn their attention elsewhere.
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Chelsea believe their name was used to drum up interest in Ibrahima Konate
Some at Chelsea will argue that the club were never actually seriously interested in Konate.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea sources have a “suspicion” that their name has simply been used to bring another team to the table.
Whether that team was Real Madrid or not is unclear, but the Spanish giants are the club Konate has chosen to join this summer.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
While the Frenchman may no longer be an option for the Club World Cup holders, they are still expected to sign a central defender when the transfer window opens.
According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea will add to their central defence ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Ibrahima Konate would have been the ideal centre-back signing for Chelsea
It is disappointing that Chelsea were never a serious contender for Konate’s signature and had little hope of signing the Liverpool man. He is the kind of centre-half they are crying out for.
Konate recently turned 27, has Premier League experience and is a physically-imposing defender.
He stands at 6’4″ and won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the English top flight last season. It was one of the highest averages recorded, according to WhoScored.
It was not the France international’s best campaign, but he was still clearly a dominant figure in the air.
All in all, Konate ticked every box for Chelsea. Whichever centre-back they sign this summer is unlikely to be as good as the former RB Leipzig star.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos would be a great buy for Chelsea and is one of few names who would be considered as an even better option than Konate. However, there is nothing to suggest that the Blues will move for the PSG captain despite claims that he is available.
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