Chelsea set to bid for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté

Chelsea are preparing a bid for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, who will leave on a free transfer this summer. The Blues have identified Konaté as a priority target under new manager Enzo Maresca. Konaté, 26, has one year remaining on his Liverpool contract but will not be offered an extension. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, 33, has also been informed his contract will not be renewed. Chelsea’s interest follows their defensive overhaul under Maresca, who has reshaped the squad since joining in July 2024. The Blues have already signed defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi this season.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed Konaté’s situation but stated no formal bids have been received yet. Slot added that discussions with Konaté will occur in the coming weeks. Konaté has made 127 appearances for Liverpool since joining from RB Leipzig in January 2022. He has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists during his time at Anfield. Maresca’s focus on defensive reinforcements suggests Konaté could be a key target if Chelsea meet Liverpool’s valuation.