Arsenal have held initial talks with RB Leipzig over a possible deal for defender Castello Lukeba. The France center back has been a bright spot in the Leipzig side this season as they fight for a Champions League place.
Lukeba has made 75 appearances for Leipzig since joining from hometown club Lyon in 2023. He has suitors from across Europe and has been tipped with a move away next summer.
French publication L’Equipe has reported that Arsenal have opened discussions with Leipzig over a summer move for the player. Arsenal also sent scouts to watch the player during Leipzig’s 2-2 draw with Dortmund on 21st February.
Bayern Munich are also keen on the player amid speculation surrounding their soon to be free agent Dayot Upamecano. Lukeba has a contract with Leipzig until 2029, and the Bundesliga club values his transfer at around €60m.
Lukeba is left footed, which is believed to be a key attribute of interest for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal keen on Lukeba
The player is also lauded for his composure and recovery speed, which have reportedly impressed Arsenal’s scouts. He is viewed as a modern centre-half capable of playing in any defensive scheme.
Lukeba was tight lipped on his future, saying he is only focused on his goals for this season. He did admit his ambitions to win football’s biggest trophies but stopped short of mentioning a specific club or country of desire.
In a recent interview with Bild, Lukeba said: “My goal is to get back into Europe with Leipzig, because only watching the Champions League on TV is extremely painful. I’m not thinking any further ahead than that. We have to stay focused. The season is long. Last year we also started well and then had big problems.”
He added: “My dream is to become world champion, or to win the Champions League someday. I don’t dream of playing for a specific club. Rather, I dream of winning titles – because that’s what you remember most at the end of your career.”
Lukeba will be hoping to earn a call up to this summer’s World Cup squad. He has just one cap for France so far which came in October of 2023.
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