Why Arsenal signing Ibrahima Konate would be quite useful
According to Sport Bild (h/t Football.london), Arsenal have shown quite a lot of interest in Ibrahima Konate. The defender has a release clause of £44million. Along with Konate, the Gunners have also been linked with a teammate of his. Christopher Nkunku is also on the club’s radar.
Profile
Konate, 21, came through the ranks of FC Sochaux’s youth system and joined Leipzig in the summer of 2017. Since then, he has become an integral member of the squad and is one of the main players in the team.
He has taken huge strides in his development in recent years. Though he has struggled with injuries last term, Konate is one of the best upcoming talents in Europe.
So far, he has played in 79 games for the German side, scoring 4 goals and assisting one (source – Transfermarkt). Konate is currently a part of the French U-21 side and has 9 appearances for them to date.
Konate could be a good long term investment for Arsenal
Arsenal have built a good contingent of defenders with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and David Luiz, etc. However, there does seem to be one too many sub-par players who are worthy of an exit. Players like Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Rob Holding are worthy of exiting the Emirates given the large number of centre-backs at the club.
It’s not as if Arteta has had the luxury of choosing from the entire contingent as half of them have been injured for long periods of time. In their absence, Kieran Tierney, Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka have had to play as makeshift centre-backs.
Adding a player with the profile of Konate would be a very good decision. He is one of the best up and coming defenders in Germany. At 21, he represents a huge scope for potential growth. Alongside Gabriel, he could flourish under Mikel Arteta.
With quality options very less for Arteta at the back, Konate should be a realistic option they should pursue. Granted that a £44million release clause will be difficult to pay, given how stringent funds have been at the club.
But they could really use a player of Konate’s calibre and potential, and must try to sign him.
