Chelsea have put out the feelers over a move for outgoing Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is leaving the Reds this month.
It was confirmed on Sunday that the centre-back will be leaving Anfield when his contract finishes at the end of this month.
The 27-year-old had been in discussions with the club over a new deal but a financial agreement could not be reached.
The Frenchman will leave after making 183 appearances in all competitions and with a Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cup wins on his CV.
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The announcement of his departure came after the final game of the season and Konate said in a statement that he is ‘deeply saddened’ that he was not able to say goodbye to the Liverpool fans at Anfield against Brentford on May 24, despite playing in the game.
The defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he could stay in the Premier League after leaving Liverpool.
The Athletic report that Chelsea have made a ‘gentle enquiry’ into Konate’s situation, with the Blues holding an interest in the centre-back.
Real Madrid are interested in Konate, while there have also been links with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
French publication Foot Mercato specifically report that Al Ittihad is a possible destination for the Frenchman.
Paris Saint-Germain is another potential move for the 27-cap France international, with ESPN touting him as a successor for Marquinhos, who turned 32 last month.
Ibrahima Konate’s statement on leaving Liverpool
Dear Liverpool,
Five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Representing this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
Losing my father this year was one of the hardest period of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge.
To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
And to the supporters… Thank you for your love, your energy, your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted.
I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go.
This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter.
See you again soon, Inshallah.
YNWA.
There would certainly be a pull to PSG, with Konate telling RMC Sport in 2024 of links to the club: ‘It’s a bit logical because I was born in France and in Paris. I have six older brothers and they all support PSG. We watched a lot of matches together and I went to the stadium a lot when I was younger.’
Konate’s future may not become clear until after the World Cup as he has now linked up with the France squad before heading to this summer’s tournament.
He will be competing with the likes of Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Maxence Lacroix for a place in Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.
Doubts emerged on Monday over Saliba’s fitness ahead of the World Cup, with a suggestion that the Arsenal man may not be able to play any part at all.
The central defender has been dealing with a back injury and reportedly aggravated it during Saturday’s Champions League final.
Deschamps said Saliba is ‘fine’ on Monday, allaying fears that the problem is serious.