Ibrahima Konaté
Konate was said to be one of the main contenders to reinforce the backline this summer, however, the Blues now appear to be in the backseat after Liverpool reportedly have made their move to bring the 21-year-old to Anfield.
According to The Athletic and ESPN, the Reds are ready to pay his €41.5 million release clause, with the Liverpool hierarchy already having held talks with their RB Leipzig counterparts. Chelsea as well as Manchester United are still in the race, and L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) have pointed out that since it isn’t a done deal yet, Chelsea could yet gazump the deal.
Liverpool are interested in Ibrahima Konaté, as @David_Ornstein reported today. He’s one of the targets in Liverpool centre backs list, but it’s not done/signed yet.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2021
RB Leipzig want full €40m release clause to sell him. Talks ongoing on personal terms [until June 2026]. #LFC
David Alaba
David Alaba has been said to prefer a move to Spain after his contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer. Marca’s latest report echoes that view, claiming that the Austria international is closing on a move to Real Madrid (as he has been for the past few months). Kicker (via Sport Witness) however note that Chelsea and PSG are still in the race to sign the 28-year-old, although the Blues are not prioritizing this move.
Alaba’s agent, Pini Zahavi, also gave his thoughts on the matter, insinuating that a move to a non-Spanish club could still very much be in the offing, provided Alaba is given a better deal.
“David has decided who wins the race, but we are still speaking with other clubs. There is no deadline.”
- Pini Zahavi; source: kicker via Football.London
Translation: pay more.
David Alaba’s priority: Real Madrid. Verbal agreement, pre-contract almost ready and €12m/season until 2025. Until it’s signed, everything is open as always with free agents. Many clubs are trying to convince Alaba in recent weeks... but Real are still leading the race. ⚪️ #Real https://t.co/vCIKAjwqsi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2021
Malang Sarr
Chelsea loanee Malang Sarr is expected to be given a look-in by our coaching staff once his stint with Porto culminates at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old has already spoken of his desire to become part of the Chelsea roaster next season, and according to Record (via Sport Witness), Porto are happy to send him back, rather than discuss a permanent move. Sarr will be looking to make impression on Thomas Tuchel, and will no doubt fancy his chances to get into our current three-man backline setup.