Real Madrid, ever the shrewd negotiators, are once again plotting a strategic maneuver in the transfer market合优投资, this time with Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté firmly in their sights. The Spanish giants, always keen to bolster their squad, are particularly focused on reinforcing their defensive line, especially given manager Carlo Ancelotti's preference for a three-center-back formation. This tactical inclination places a premium on depth and quality in the heart of defense, prompting Real Madrid to seek a top-tier addition.
However, in line with their famously prudent financial approach, AS reports that Real Madrid are primarily interested in acquiring a defender on a free transfer. Their previous target was Arsenal's defensive rock, William Saliba. The French international has emerged as a dominant force in the Premier League, with some observers even rating him above Virgil van Dijk in terms of current ability. While Real Madrid did make contact, Saliba rebuffed their advances, expressing his unwavering commitment to Arsenal and their pursuit of silverware.
展开剩余76%Undeterred, Real Madrid have now turned their attention to Konaté. The towering Frenchman has enjoyed a rapid rise at Anfield合优投资, developing into a formidable presence alongside Van Dijk. Blessed with exceptional physical attributes and a keen defensive mind, Konaté has proven to be a reliable shield in Liverpool's backline. Real Madrid's hierarchy believes that securing his signature would provide the defensive stability and depth necessary to compete on all fronts. Furthermore, at 26, Konaté is considered to be entering his prime years, offering at least three to five seasons of top-level performance.
Intriguingly, Real Madrid's interest extends to potentially acquiring Konaté on a free transfer next summer. AS reports that they have even made discreet contact with the player, urging him to resist signing a new contract with Liverpool. Should Konaté agree to terms with Real Madrid, a pre-contract agreement would allow him to join the Spanish side without a transfer fee next summer. This reflects Real Madrid's unwavering commitment to minimizing expenditure. During the recent summer transfer window, they engaged in discussions with Liverpool regarding an early move for Konaté. However, despite Liverpool's willingness to sell the defender in his contract year for a fee of around €30-40 million, Real Madrid refused to meet their valuation, prioritizing the possibility of a free transfer in 2025.
Liverpool, understandably, are eager to tie Konaté down to a new deal, a scenario Real Madrid are actively trying to prevent. It has been revealed that Real Madrid have approached Konaté directly, advising him against renewing his contract with Liverpool. Such tactics, however, are controversial, with clubs often frowning upon direct approaches to players under contract. Similarly, it has emerged that Real Madrid employed the same strategy in their pursuit of Saliba, hoping to convince him to run down his contract at Arsenal.
While their pursuit of Saliba ultimately proved fruitless, Real Madrid remain hopeful of landing Konaté. The French international's consistent availability – averaging around 40 appearances per season – makes him an ideal replacement for Antonio Rüdiger, who, despite his quality, is aging and prone to injury. It's even been suggested that Real Madrid may consider selling Rüdiger in the near future, further underscoring the need for a younger, reliable center-back. Negotiations with Konaté are reportedly progressing smoothly.
However, should Konaté and Real Madrid reach a pre-contract agreement, Liverpool stand to lose a valuable asset for nothing next summer. The coming months will be crucial in determining Konaté's future and whether Real Madrid's gamble on a free transfer will pay off.
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