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Arsenal is conducting surveillance on RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate ahead of the summer transfer window, with respect to the Standard. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could try to bring the French defender to north London as he looks to continue the reconstruction of his squad in the summer. Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos left Arsenal in January, while David Luiz’s contract is set to expire this summer and Calum Chambers could also depart.
Arsenal would face competition from a host of European clubs if they made a move for Konate in the transfer market. Konate is a hugely talented defender – but will Arsenal really win the race to sign him this summer? Likely not. The club’s finances are unpredictable as they recently sit in 10th place in the Premier League.
European qualification would be basic to any signings this summer, but you’d guess the club wouldn’t view a new center-back as a priority if the finances are limited. You’d also await Konate to have a privilege to join a club that has qualified for the Champions League (or stay at RB Leipzig to be part of the competition) and Arsenal’s only real path back to Europe’s highest competition is to win the Europa League this season.
