William Saliba’s decision to sign a new deal at Arsenal could hurt Liverpool in their efforts to keep Ibrahima Konate.

According to Caught Offside, William Saliba’s decision to renew his deal at Arsenal may have an unwanted effect over at Liverpool. The latter are now sweating over their chances of keeping key man Ibrahima Konate, as Real Madrid may not waste time in shifting focus towards the 26-year-old.

Real Madrid are expected to sign a top-drawer defender next summer, as they have some prominent names on their shortlist. They are expected to release David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger when their respective deals expire next summer, while the summer acquisition of Dean Huijsen is only seen as the beginning of their defensive build.

Florentino Perez had wanted William Saliba as a key option, with suggestions that Real Madrid observers watched him in action against Manchester City last Sunday at the Emirates, which further fueled speculation over his future. However, the Gunners had been pushing to secure the defender’s future, as Andrea Berta had made tremendous progress in talks.

As David Ornstein of The Athletic reported, Saliba has decided to commit his long-term future to Arsenal and is on the verge of signing a new five-year deal. Hence, Real Madrid are not likely to return with their interest in the defender, as the Gunners are now in a position to ask for an exorbitant fee that Perez is unlikely to pay.

Hence, they could shift their attention towards their other favourite target, Ibrahima Konate. The decision from Saliba to renew his deal at Arsenal could potentially hurt Liverpool in their efforts to keep hold of Konate.

Real Madrid are angling Ibrahima Konate move

Real Madrid are now seen as the favourites to sign Konate next summer on a free transfer, with the defender’s deal at Anfield expiring in under a year. Liverpool have identified Marc Guehi as the Frenchman’s replacement, and came very close during the summer to signing the Crystal Palace star.

They have made some efforts in the background to keep hold of Konate, but the defender has reportedly made his decision to join Real Madrid. What may come across as a double blow for Liverpool, there are also rumours linking Guehi with a Bosman move to Real Madrid, something the Merseysiders may not want in their quest to sign a new defender next summer.