Chelsea now focused on Ibrahima Konate after missing out on transfer target Dayot Upamecano
According to reliable Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk, Chelsea have refocused their attention to RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate after losing out on transfer target Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano has agreed to join Bayern Munich after being linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool. The Bavarians have agreed to pay out his €42.5million release clause. (h/t ESPN)
This has spurred the Blues to consider his international teammate, Konate. The 21-year-old has appeared in just 7 league games in a season plagued by injuries for the youngster.
But when fit, he has been a regular fixture in their backline. After all, he was present in all 6 of their UEFA Champions League group stage games which saw the club defy all odds and make it to the Round of 16.
One issue with Konate seems to be his fitness record. The Frenchman made just 11 appearances in all competitions last season due to injury troubles.
Another Leipzig defender targeted
Nevertheless, his importance to the German club cannot be doubted, considering he made 44 league appearances in his first two seasons at the club after signing from FC Sochaux. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Chelsea have a stellar backline as of now. Thiago Silva’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer has certainly bolstered the backline.
Kurt Zouma has been a regular fixture in the heart of the defence alongside the Brazilian. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have also proved to be capable squad players.
However, Silva is not getting younger. The 36-year-old cannot be expected to be an ever-present in the defence in the coming years.
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In this regard, Chelsea could have a long-term defender in their ranks if they do manage to get a deal for Konate across the line. They will, however, face competition from United and Liverpool again. (h/t Christian Falk)