Chelsea are one of the giant clubs interested in signing a talented central defender who’s available for just over £50m.
At the moment, the central defence is a major talking point for everyone at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, it is interesting timing that the Blues are now linked with a centre-half signing.
Earlier this week, reports claimed that Chelsea are monitoring AC Milan centre-half Strahinja Pavlovic as a potential target.
There is now another centre-back profile in their sights, though.
It is worth remembering that Chelsea already have Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana competing to start in central defence. Unfortunately, Levi Colwill’s ACL injury means that he’s not in the picture for the foreseeable future.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesChelsea in race for Castello Lukeba
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one of the potential suitors for RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.
It is explained that Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle United are interested in signing the 22-year-old defender.
The report adds that the French centre-back has a €90m (£78m) release clause in his Leipzig deal. However, the German Bundesliga side are prepared to accept something closer to €60m (£52m).
Castello Lukeba’s senior club career
If Lukeba ends up at Stamford Bridge, he would be adding to the French contingent that already includes Badiashile, Fofana and Malo Gusto. On top of that, his profile as a talented youngster definitely fits what we’ve seen from the current Blues owners.
Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty ImagesChelsea previously failed to sign Castello Lukeba in 2022
Back in 2022, Lyon rejected Chelsea’s £38m bid for Lukeba, even though they sold him in 2023 to Leipzig.
If we skip forward to 2024, Lukeba was once again on the Chelsea radar because they continue to be linked with some of the best young talents around.
It sounds like there may be some genuine interest in the current Leipzig man after frequent links, but is he the type of statement signing that can elevate the backline from day one if he joins?