Report: Arsenal eye £44m move for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate

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Arsenal could make their move to sign RB Leipzig defender, Ibrahima Konate, according to a report by Sport Bild.

The German publication claims the Gunners are keen on Konate and teammate, Christopher Nkunku.

However, Arsenal will need to shell out a big fee to land both Konate and Nkunku. with both players set to fetch in around £80m for Leipzig if they do decide to sell up.

But it is the name of Konate that will interest Gunners fans. A big and powerful defender, the 21-year-old may well be the ideal long-term replacement for David Luiz and could well be the perfect partner for Gabriel Magalhaes.

Having already made 79 appearances for Leipzig, Konate’s reputation is one that is continuing to blossom in Europe. Another off the French converyor belt of young talent, the defender has already won nine caps for the under-21s.

Konate reportedly has a release-clause of around £44m in his current contract. The signing could well put cast further doubts over the future of William Saliba, who is struggling to make an impression in north London.

A fine young player with all the attributes – TBR View

That’s how Konate could be described at the moment. He’s not the finished article but he’s well on his way to being a top defender and that is what Arsenal needs.

Crucially, he looks good on the ball, too. And with the way Arteta is developing tactics for Arsenal, that sort of attribute seems a necessity.

£44m is not a huge amount either in modern football and this could well prove a shrewd investment.