Liverpool discover IDEAL centre-back: He will cost €50m | OneFootball

Ronald Aruajo emerging as Liverpool option

The 26-year-old is of course Virgil van Dijk’s preferred partner in the heart of defence but there is no question that some mistakes have crept into his game.

Liverpool may well be thinking about signing some competition for Konate - and not only replacements - which is why links with senior centre-back options make sense.

We’ve seen Marc Guehi come close to moving to Anfield on transfer deadline day but he is not the only one who Liverpool have cast their eye on.

Last week it was claimed there was “genuine truth” in reports suggesting Ronald Araujo was a Liverpool target - and Spanish media have now stated that he is on the radar of the Premier League champions.

Araujo "the ideal" Liverpool defender

Araujo, 26, is under contract with Barcelona until 2031 but he could leave as his starting spot is no longer guaranteed. Fichajes claims that the Uruguay international is available for around €50m.

“Araujo is on its radar as a replacement for Konaté,” the report reads. “Konaté's possible departure forces the Reds to plan ahead.

“Araujo appears to be the ideal candidate: dominant in the air, clean output, and elite experience.”

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Liverpool could come forward for Araujo in January

Liverpool will be joined in the transfer battle by a couple of other Premier League clubs in Arsenal and Chelsea, claims the report, and a bid could come in as soon as JANUARY.

Arsenal’s interest would be surprising given the number of defenders currently at Mikel Arteta’s disposal - but Chelsea’s need is arguably as pressing as Liverpool’s given Levi Colwill’s injury.

“Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have him on their radar and could make offers for him in the winter transfer window.”

Let’s see if sporting director Richard Hughes gets involved in the auction. But one thing is for certain, Konate’s form - as much as his contract situation - is going to require the Reds’ decision-makers to give replacing him a lot of thought.