Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their quest to hand Ibrahima Konate a new contract, according to Sports Boom.
The Reds are expecting to have yet another busy summer transfer window at the end of this season, after spending a record-breaking £440m last year on several new signings, before a disappointing campaign which sees them currently sitting sixth in the Premier League and facing a battle to qualify for the Champions League quarter-final after a first-leg defeat to Galatasaray in midweek.
Defence is expected to be a priority area to strengthen in the market, with lots of change expected, but there is now fresh hope they could keep hold of Konate beyond this season.
Liverpool and Konate Want to Renew
Konate has been the subject of lots of speculation over the last 12 months or so, with the France international currently set to be out of contract at Anfield once this season ends.
The former Leipzig man has attracted attention from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, and despite the season having less than three months to run, there has been no agreement found between Liverpool chiefs and the player over an extension.
But it has now emerged that Konate is prioritising staying on Merseyside next season over making a move away, as he wants to continue to be a regular for Liverpool.
Talks have been ongoing for a while, but negotiations have stalled, which has given Real Madrid and Bayern encouragement that a deal could be done to take the player away from the Premier League on a free transfer.
It’s understood that Konate’s wage demands are the biggest stumbling block in negotiations currently, but with all parties hoping to work towards an agreement, there is now confidence that a deal can be done.
Liverpool Need Konate to Stay
While Konate has had his moments of poor form this season, there is no doubting that he is one of the better central defenders in the Premier League, and keeping him would be a huge boost for the club going into next season.
A new long-term contract would be ideal for all parties, but especially Liverpool, considering Virgil Van Dijk, Curtis Jones, Alisson, and Mohamed Salah’s contracts will all be expiring in 2027.
Keeping Konate secures a key player during what will undoubtedly be a transition period, but also means it’s one less signing that is needed, with Jeremy Jacquet already secured as part of the squad to add competition and quality in defence.
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
via Reuters
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.
