Arsenal will reportedly make offer for RB Leipzig's Ibrahima Konate 'in the coming weeks'

Posted Tuesday, December 01, 2020 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Who is Ibrahima Konate?

Konate joined Leipzig on a free transfer in the summer of 2017.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has since gone on to garner 82 appearances for Die Roten Bullen, including eight in the 2020/21 campaign.

He is also right-footed, which could make Konate the perfect centre-back partner for Gabriel, whose impact on Arsenal's backline has already been immense despite both his age and limited experience.

Outside of the Brazilian, though, it is hard to make a case that Arsenal currently have any truly top-class central defenders on their books – an issue the young Konate would no doubt help to resolve.

All of David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis are getting on in years, with their respective contracts at the Emirates inching towards completion.

In turn, it should almost go without saying that fresh legs are needed at the heart of the north Londoners' backline.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on September 19, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal to make offer for Konate?

Arsenal were first credited with an interest in Konate earlier this month, with the same report from German outlet Bild having added that the Frenchman's contract contains a €50m release clause.

Konate is currently tied down at the Red Bull Arena until 2023.

And now, in recent days, reports stemming from Spain have reignited the Gunners' links to the Leipzig standout.

According to Todofichajes, Arsenal will present an offer for Konate in the coming weeks.

However, it is added that Leipzig 'in principle' will not negotiate their young stopper's sale until the end of the campaign, and will set the starting price at €60m – €10m more than what Bild previously claimed to be Konate's release clause.