Arsenal receive major double boost as Liverpool rocked by transfer move

Arsenal could be set to benefit significantly from Ibrahima Konate's reported reluctance to sign a contract extension with Liverpool. The France international is heading into the final 12 months of his contract with the Reds, and an extension appears unlikely at this stage.

According to FootMercato, Konate is looking for a 'change of scenery' next summer and is now looking to run down his contract on Merseyside. Negotiations over a fresh deal have stalled, despite Liverpool's best efforts.

Konate has been offered by his representatives to a host of top clubs around Europe as a result, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid have also been made aware that the former RB Leipzig star is set to become a free agent next summer, which could be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta.

Los Blancos have already acquired the services of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer, and if Konate heads to Spain then it could prompt Madrid to cool their interest in William Saliba - who has widely been dubbed as a top target at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Gunners are keen for their No. 2 to pen a contract extension with the club, and Madrid turning their attention to a fellow Frenchman could prompt Saliba to stay put in north London.

The 24-year-old's current deal runs out in 2027, and Arsenal will hope that they do not find themselves in a similar predicament to the one Liverpool face at the moment due to their centre-back's uncertainty.

The importance of Konate at Anfield cannot be understated either, and the defender opting against being a long-term part of Arne Slot's plans will be a welcome boost to Arsenal. He played 42 matches in all competitions for the club last season, scoring two goals and registering two assists.

Konate has proven himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League over the past few seasons, with his towering height and ability with the ball at his feet allowing him to be a key man both offensively and defensively. Although links to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi will ease the tension among Liverpool supporters, Konate remains a key figure on Merseyside and it remains to be seen whether Guehi can truly replace what the No. 5 offers.