Chelsea-linked Ibrahima Konaté has €45m release clause; Pau Torres: €65m — reports

After being beaten by Bayern Munich to Dayot Upamecano’s signing, Chelsea need to start looking elsewhere for defensive reinforcements for next season. A number of other centre backs have been linked already, with one of the favorites among that number being Upamecano’s (soon-to-be former) defensive partner at RB Leipzig, Ibrahima Konaté.

Leipzig definitely wouldn’t want to lose both of their main defenders, but they may not have much say in the matter. According to Sport BILD, the 21-year-old has a €45m release clause in his contract. Alongside Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are also said to be interested.

Speaking of release clauses, another player who has been linked with us is Pau Torres of Villarreal. His release clause is apparently a whooping €65m, though no one seems likely to pay that. We could of course negotiate lower, which is precisely what Real Madrid might do should they turn their reported keen interest into something more substantive.

According to Goal, Real Madrid are not willing to match the release clause, but are hoping that their good relationship with Villarreal, as well as the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will convince them to part ways with the 24-year-old. But Villarreal are certainly no hurry to sell, with the player under contract through 2024.

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Pau Torres is said to depend largely Sergio Ramos’ future, and whatever outcome his contract standoff might have. Then again, Chelsea-linked Raphaël Varane could decide to leave as well...