Chelsea are preparing a formal bid to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba TEAMtalk.
Chelsea have several French centre-backs in their squad, but none have really gained a foothold. Wesley Fofana has put in some strong performances in recent weeks, although his long injury list makes it impossible to rely on him for an entire campaign.
Benoît Badiashile, meanwhile, put in an excellent performance against Liverpool before picking up an injury during that game. His overall fitness record during his time at Chelsea was also abysmal.
Axel Disasi completes the list. To give him his due, he has remained available almost every week, but he does not appear to be a factor in Enzo Maresca’s long-term thinking and is widely expected to leave soon.
It looks like Todd Boehly and co. are now looking to put an end to the French centre-back hoodoo by providing a more reliable, consistent and quality centre-back. This time they look at Lukeba, who has been one of Europe’s best young centre-backs.
This is according to TEAMtalkwho claims Chelsea are planning to sign Lukeba in the January transfer window.
The report adds that the Blues are now accelerating their efforts to secure his transfer after impressing the club’s recruitment team, who are closely monitoring his performances.
Lukeba to Chelsea
Although the Frenchman’s contract at the Red Bull Arena runs until 2029, his deal includes a clause that reduces his valuation as the season progresses – starting at £70m and falling to £57m from next summer – meaning Leipzig are now willing to consider bids as low as £52m in the January window, the report said.
As a result TEAMtalk claims that Chelsea are now preparing to submit a formal offer of between £48 and 52 million ‘in the coming weeks’ and are optimistic that it will not be difficult to agree personal terms with the France international.
The West Londoners will now hope their offer is enough to deter interest from other clubs, as the report claims Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also interested in Lukeba.
Lukeba has come through the ranks at Lyon, where he made 68 appearances, and has lived up to expectations since joining Leipzig in 2023. Despite the frequent changes of coach, he became an indispensable figure at the club.
The 22-year-old has already gained significant experience at such a young age and certainly fits into Chelsea’s youth-oriented recruitment strategy, with over 150 senior appearances.
#Chelsea #preparing #formal #offer #sign #Castello #Lukeba #coming #weeks