Chelsea finished the Premier League season in tenth place, missing out on European competition entirely for the upcoming campaign.
With Xabi Alonso set to take charge next season, the club are expected to undertake a significant overhaul of their playing squad.
According to The Athletic, a defensive rebuild has been identified as one of the key priorities heading into the summer transfer window.
Chelsea are believed to be keen on signing Ibrahima Konate, who confirmed his Liverpool exit over the weekend upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
The prospect of signing Konate on a free transfer is considered a highly attractive proposition given his quality and experience at the top level.
The 27-year-old was especially impressive during the 2024/25 season when Liverpool won the Premier League, which stands as his only major trophy during his time at Anfield.
Konate has been widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defenders, offering speed, aerial prowess, physical strength and composure in possession with both short and long passing.
However, Chelsea’s absence from European competition next season represents a significant obstacle in any potential pursuit of a player of his calibre.
Real Madrid are believed to have struck a four-year deal with Konate since tracking him from 2025, with an announcement from the club expected when Florentino Perez is re-elected as president next week.
Chelsea’s chances of signing Konate are therefore considered all but slim, and it would take Madrid pulling out at the last minute for the London club to re-enter the picture.