Arsenal are monitoring RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to reports.
The Gunners had sent scouts to watch over the 19-year-old, who has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
According to Sport Bild, via ESPN, Chelsea and West Ham have also monitored the defender and are expected to compete with the Gunners in the summer.
Ibrahima Konate: The player Emery needs
With 25 games played so far this season in the Premier League, it’s fair to say that the Gunners have struggled defensively this season.
Although there have been problems with lack of depth in the attacking department, it’s the defence that has flattered to deceive, as Unai Emery has struggled to form a solid defensive unit using the limited resources in the corresponding department.
Arsenal have conceded 36 goals this season, a tally only Bournemouth have exceeded in the top half of the league table. Therefore, the Gunners are in dire need of defensive reinforcements in the upcoming summer transfer window and Konate, in that regard, could be an appealing target.
The RB Leipzig star has already proved his credibility in the Bundesliga, having made 32 appearances barely a year after making a breakthrough in the German top flight. And he has the ability that could seriously strengthen Arsenal’s defence.
For one, Konate is big — 6 feet 3 inches — which, aside from making him an intimidating presence at the back, gives him a big advantage in terms of aerial duels. He has an aerial duel win percentage of 73%.
However, Konate’s strengths are not only limited to headed duels as he is also an excellent tackler, having won 96% of his tackles this season.
Konate also leads the squad in terms of interceptions, which indicate his positional awareness and aggression that make him such a sought-after defender in European football.
The 19-year-old likes playing out from the back, and that’s something Emery is trying to achieve this season without the right defenders.
Konate certainly seems like an excellent fit for Arsenal, but will definitely cost a lot of money considering his immense potential and the fact that he is only 19.
It won’t be surprising to see Leipzig slap a price-tag in the region of €50m or above next summer, especially with so many clubs interested in Konate’s services.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
