Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield remains uncertain, with his contract expiring next summer, and Fabrizio Romano, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, has confirmed that the French international is yet to make a decision.
Konate has come under plenty of scrutiny in recent months after a difficult start to the 2025/2026 season, but he remains a key player under Arne Slot, partnering Virgil Van Dijk in defence. Whether Konate will be Van Dijk’s long-term partner remains to be seen, with his contract expiring, but Slot is sticking with him for now, perhaps due to a lack of options.
The January transfer window could give Liverpool the opportunity to bring in a new centre-back. Giovanni Leoni was brought to the club in the summer, but the young centre-back suffered a serious knee injury, which could keep him on the treatment table for the majority of the campaign.
Fabrizio Romano: Konate Update at Liverpool
Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that Konate is yet to make a decision regarding his future at Liverpool. When asked whether the Merseyside club are any closer to discovering where Konate’s future lies beyond the end of the 2025/2026 season, Romano said:
“Not yet, there are talks ongoing but still no decision made on player side. Liverpool are waiting.”
Liverpool recently lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, with the England international leaving Anfield for nothing due to his contract expiring. Seeing Konate head through the exit door won’t be a complete disaster for the club with his performances not at the level required this season, but they won’t want to lose him for nothing.
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano confirmed in the summer transfer window that Liverpool were close to securing the signature of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, potentially as a long-term replacement for Konate. Guehi even completed a medical at Anfield, but the move fell through in the final moments, with the Eagles pulling out of a deal.
With Konate’s future remaining uncertain, it will be interesting to see whether the Merseyside club look to bring in a new centre-back during the January transfer window. Returning for Guehi certainly wouldn’t be a surprise, with his contract also expiring next summer alongside Konate.
Arsenal have opened talks to sign a Manchester City midfielder in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s young options.
It’s not so often you see players move between Arsenal and Man City, although there have been a handful in recent years.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are two recent examples, but there’s unlikely to be too many in the future due to their Premier League rivalry.
The Gunners are in the market for reinforcements this summer as they aim to build on what was a phenomenal 25/26 season.
The North London club will be hoping to go one better in the Champions League and lift the trophy, but they will also aim to win the Premier League title once again.
City are hoping to keep hold of the 16-year-old talent and have offered him a new contract, believed to be one of the biggest financially for a player his age in Europe.
Parker, described as a ‘powerhouse’, is yet to commit his long-term future to City, which has alerted a number of clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.
The Gunners are set to face competition from a number of clubs, including Premier League sides. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are also keen, while Real Madrid are aware of his situation.
The Midlands club have slapped a £130m price tag on his head, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will get close to that figure.
Arsenal are looking to bring in young talent from around the world, but they will also be looking to add new signings to improve the senior squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side certainly don’t need to panic when it comes to additions for the first team after such an impressive 25-26 season, which saw them win the Premier League title.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Ajax sensation Seun Steur in a deal worth around £20m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies have had a busy window so far after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, while a deal for Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham Hotspur for £100m was completed earlier this week.
That has allowed the club to seal a deal for Bazoumana Toure in attack, while they are also pushing to sign World Cup star Johan Manzambi to bolster their midfield. But they have now moved ahead with a deal for another midfield star to help Eddie Howe.
Manchester United could be in the market for a new defender in the summer transfer window as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.
The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on signing midfielders so far this summer, but they have struggled to get deals over the line.
A move for Ederson appears to be reaching a conclusion, especially now the Brazilian midfielder has been knocked out of the World Cup.
After securing the signatures of some new additions in the middle of the park, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see United move on to different areas of the pitch.
There is no doubt the midfield is a major priority, but due to competing in the Champions League, they will need to reinforce multiple areas.
The Red Devils face competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and they are actively seeking reinforcements in defence.
The Bundesliga club could charge up to £43m to allow Coulibaly to depart this summer. At the age of 19, he’s seen as a potential long-term investment for interested parties.
Werder Bremen are hoping to keep Coulibaly, described as ‘elite’, for another season, whether that be through rejecting any potential bids or inserting a loan-back clause in any deal.
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Signing a midfielder has to be a priority
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Despite links to signing a new defender, Manchester United have to prioritise bringing in midfield additions in the summer transfer window.
They are yet to confirm a new signing in the middle of the park, and although there is plenty of time remaining, they could continue to miss out on key targets.
With Casemiro already through the exit door and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious injury, United are desperate for midfield reinforcements.
Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson were both key targets for the Red Devils, but they failed to get their signatures as they moved to other Premier League clubs.
