Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal target sensational swoop for Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig

By Ross Kennerley

LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 17: Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group G match between SL Benfica and RB Leipzig at Estadio da Luz on September 17, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 17: Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group G match between SL Benfica and RB Leipzig at Estadio da Luz on September 17, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Arsenal, Ibrahima Konate
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 21: Tyler Adams (L) and Ibrahima Konate of Leipzig react after the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig at Deutsche Bank Park on November 21, 2020 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ronald Wittek – Pool/Getty Images) /

Arsenal’s Chances of Signing Ibrahima Konate

Is it a mere pipe-dream at this stage? Supporters have to be realistic at the predicament the club are entrenched in as finance and European standing will play a major part in whether they can complete the business they desire.

Given the German club’s regular flirtings with the Champions League and their legitimate challenge for the Bundesliga title this season, Konate will understandably expect to move, if he so desires, to a side fighting for similar honours.

Come the summer the Frenchman will have two years to run on his current contract, making it an ideal time to either sell him for a healthy sum or tie him down longer. However, as seen with Upamecano, the RB Leizpig model regularly allows players of value to depart to maintain a healthy bank balance. For that reason, he could be a viable option.

So much will depend on where Arsenal finish in the Premier League table. A Champions League berth via the top four is out of their control, while even a Europa League spot is a tall order given the strength of those above them and the wretched situation to club plunged themselves into with their torrid November/December spell of form.

No fee is mentioned but given the quality of the player and the expected bidding war to come, his asking price could reach a figure beyond the Gunners’ reach. It’s no secret that they need to sell to raise funds, and it will require some smooth business operations from Edu and co to raise as much money from those no longer wanted in north London.

From realistically to logistically, do Arsenal need Konate?

Home/Arsenal News