With the winter transfer window right around the corner, Chelsea would be looking to strengthen their defence with the signing of the talented French defender.
Levi Colwill's injury during the pre-season has left a big gap in the Chelsea defence this season as he is reported to be out until June 2026. Enzo Maresca and the Blues struggles to keep their title hopes alive.
There is no denying the fact that the likes of Josh Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo have got what it takes to play in the English top flight, but their recent form has casted a shadow of doubt in the minds of the Chelsea fans. The Blues have paid the price for some significant defensive errors during the past few games.
Castello Lukeba
Maresca is also being criticised for his selections lately as some of his substitions during their recent run of winless games has seemingly backfired and costed the Blues dearly.
Despite a summer spending of over £200 million, the Chels would be looking to strengthen their squad in the upcoming winter transfer window, especially their defence.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues are gearing up for a transfer battle with Bayern Munich as they look to sign Castello Lukeba during the winter transfer window, which is right around the corner.
The 22-year-old currently plays for German side RB Leipzig who are currently placed second in the Bundesliga standings. Leipzig have only picked up a total of three points during their eight games in the Champions league. They sit in the 32nd position in the league table of the elite competition, and chances of advancing to the next round looks dim for the club.
Transfer window, and the battle to sign star players
Other than Bayern, the highly rated defender is also targeted by clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, although they are unlikely to make a move for Lukeba until the summer of 2026.
Leipzig have a contract with Lukeba until 2029 with a release clause of €80 million, and would significantly drop to €65 million in 2027. Reports indicate the club will listen to offers as low as €60 million during the winter transfer window, as exit from the UCL looks imminent.
The Blues are seemingly attracted towards the player's ball-playing ability, recovery pace and dominance in the air. Chelsea is willing to place a bid of around €55-€60 million for Lukeba this winter if a deal is obtainable for both sides.
Bayern sets thier sights on Lukeba
Bayern will hold a significant advantage in the transfer battle as their sporting director Max Eberl played a crucial part in bringing the player to Leipzig in 2023. As a result, this holds a significant relationship with the player's camp.
Although the German side is unlikely to move heavily for the Frenchman if they succeed in extending Dayot Upamecano’s contract in the coming days, a development which Chelsea would be following closely in their efforts to sign Lukeba, who would be expected to make an immediate impact once he comes in.