Liverpool join Arsenal in the race to sign French defender

Liverpool could reportedly compete with Arsenal in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.

The Reds are currently without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez after serious knee injuries, but the former has already started his rehabilitation.

Still, he is likely to return to action anytime soon and Bild claims that the club could pursue another centre-back at the turn of the year.

They have been regularly linked with Dayot Upamecano in the past, but it is revealed that they are focused on signing teammate Konate instead.

The Gunners are also understood to be monitoring the defender's situation and there could be a bidding battle for his services.

Konate has become a regular for Leipzig this term after missing vast parts of last season through injury. He has a £45m release clause on his contract.

It is highly unlikely that Leipzig will accept a lower fee, considering they are flying high in the league and won't want to lose any main players in mid-season.