Chelsea are expected to be aggressive in the transfer market this summer after missing out on European football completely last season.
The club want to add more experience and leadership to the squad ahead of the new campaign. Defensive reinforcements are now one of the priorities at Stamford Bridge.
Several experienced defenders have already been linked with the London club in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, one major opportunity has suddenly emerged in the market following developments at Liverpool.
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea are also plotting a move for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate after learning that he will leave the club when his contract expires next month.
Konate is now preparing to leave the club after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
The Frenchman and his representatives had been in discussions with Liverpool officials for months regarding a new deal.
However, talks eventually collapsed despite optimism earlier this year regarding an extension. The defender will now become a free agent on July 1.
So, several top European clubs are already monitoring the situation closely ahead of the World Cup. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are showing interest in Konate.
The French international made 118 Premier League appearances during his five-year spell at Liverpool and established himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old could make a final decision regarding his future before joining up with the France national team for the World Cup in the United States.
So, winning the race for Ibrahima Konate for Chelsea will be a challenge as they face Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the market.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
