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A roadblock in talks with Liverpool for centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has led Real Madrid to make a daring push for Arsenal’s William Saliba, reports said. Konaté’s French national teammate Saliba enjoys an untouchable status in Mikel Arteta’s team, and Real Madrid have sent a special delegation to convince the decision-makers at Arsenal. 24-year-old Saliba’s stance on the matter remains unclear.

FULL REPORT | Ibrahima Konate: Sell him now or lose him next summer like Trent, Real Madrid tell Liverpool

It was earlier reported that Ibrahima Konaté was open to a Real Madrid switch with just one year left on his current Liverpool deal. Xabi Alonso wants him for his ability on the ball, capacity to quickly cover large areas, and high-pressing skills. He swiftly closes down opponents and aims to win the ball high up the pitch, thereby disrupting opposition build-up. However, the fresh offer put on the table before the centre-back is such that he is having second thoughts.

However, the salary proposed in a new deal is so lucrative that Konaté may ultimately decide to ink an extension at Anfield, reports said. The 25-year-old also drawn by the fact the he will get to lead the Premier League champions’ defensive line in the post-Virgil Van Dijk era.

When Liverpool and Real held initial talks, it was reported that the Reds wanted £50 million for Konaté. Los Blancos made a counter-offer to pay its half – a decent sum somewhere between £20 million and £25 million, AS said. Konaté was signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million.

As for Saliba, who is one year younger than Konaté, his current deal will run out in 2027. Manager Mikel Arteta values Saliba very much, and Arsenal had rejected a €95 million (approximately £82.50 million) offer from PSG in late 2024. He remains central to Arteta’s plans and forms a formidable defensive partnership alongside Brazilian Gabriel Magalhães. Despite being a right-footed player, he can be used as a left centre-back and also fits well as a right-back.

Arsenal wish to tie him down with a long-term offer, but Real Madrid are willing to pay €100 million (£87 million) to bring him to the Santiago Bernabéu, AS said. The offer is highly unlikely to impress the Gunners given the defender’s importance to their plans, the report added. Real’s only chance is Saliba himself opting to choose them over his current employer.

ALSO READ | Ibrahima Konate wants Real Madrid, defender tells Liverpool to sell his this summer if they want transfer money

Arsenal paid St. Étienne €30 million for the Frenchman in 2019. He had loan spells at Nice and Olympique Marseille before becoming a regular starter at the Emirates.