Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs reportedly weighing a move for RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, with several European heavyweights said to be monitoring the French defender.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also been linked with the 23-year-old, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle in the coming windows.
Konur described Lukeba as one of the leading defensive targets for a number of major clubs. He said the teams were considering the Leipzig player as a “priority option” for their backlines.
“Lukeba’s athleticism, ball-playing ability and long-term potential continue to attract strong interest from across Europe,” Konur said. “A major battle for Castello Lukeba’s signature could develop in the upcoming transfer windows.”
Why Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in Lukeba
Lukeba has previously been associated with a move away from Leipzig, with Manchester United reported to have pursued him during the summer. An €80 million release clause was also reported at that time.
Liverpool could view the defender as a long-term option to eventually replace the ageing Virgil van Dijk. Chelsea, meanwhile, are understood to be assessing their central-defensive options after inconsistent performances from Wesley Fofana and a mixed start for summer signing Maxence Lacroix, who is now injured.
Both Premier League clubs have also been linked with AC Milan defender Koni De Winter, but Lukeba represents another possible solution in the centre of defence.
Leipzig have regularly sold prominent players for significant fees, and Lukeba is expected to attract further attention as he approaches what could be the peak years of his career. The defender may also be open to testing himself in the Premier League if a suitable offer emerges.
