Real Madrid now want to sign Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool teammate in shock move
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to a move to Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old Reds academy graduate is out of contract in the summer and speculation continues that he is set to join the Spanish giants in the summer.
Los Blancos could hand Arne Slot’s side another blow as they plot a move for a teammate of Alexander-Arnold’s.
Ibrahima Konate could follow Alexander-Arnold to Madrid
Liverpool face a fight to convince Ibrahima Konate to agree on fresh terms as he will have just one year on his contract when the current season comes to a close.
A report from Sunday Mirror (page 77, 23 March) claims that Madrid are monitoring the situation with a view to a free transfer for the France international.
It states that the Merseysiders have offered the 25-year-old a new contract but an agreement has not been reached, which could leave the door open for a switch to the Spanish capital.
Liverpool need to keep Konate at all costs
Konate has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football alongside Virgil van Dijk this season as he has largely banished his horrendous injury issues.
While the latter’s situation takes the headlines, alongside Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the former’s situation should also be a concern for Reds supporters.
| Stats (Premier League) | Van Dijk | Konate |
| Matches | 29 | 23 |
| Pass accuracy | 91.9% | 90.4% |
| Ground duels won | 134 (69.4%) | 109 (68.1%) |
| Aerial duels won | 89 (71.2%) | 60 (75%) |
Losing the French defender would be a major blow for Slot, especially if Van Dijk departs this summer after potentially lifting the Premier League title.
If the trio signs new deals and secure bumper pay rises, Konate may use that as a measuring stick, given his increased importance to the Reds this campaign.
Fenway Sports Group may be reluctant to pay big wages to a player who has missed 45 matches in the last three seasons but they must make a statement and show that they are not willing to lose their best players for free.
With the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid sniffing around Konate, the L4 outfit need to come to an agreement quickly and put his future beyond doubt as his impact when he is fit is crystal clear.