Arsenal and Man United on alert as club green light discounted exit of 23-year-old defender | OneFootball

Top Premier League clubs are on alert after finding out about the availability of RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. According to TEAMtalk, RB Leipzig and the highly-rated 23-year-old centre-back have reached a mutual, amicable agreement that the upcoming transfer window is the optimal time to part ways.

This major development has immediately mobilised the recruitment departments at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war.

Since arriving in Germany from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2023, the French international has evolved into one of the most complete and coveted young defenders in European football.

RB Leipzig are ready to let Lukeba leave in the summer

While Lukeba’s current contract, which runs until 2029, includes a formidable release clause in the region of £70 million (€80m), sources indicate that the Bundesliga club is willing to negotiate below that premium figure.

Intermediaries have reportedly informed interested Premier League parties that Leipzig are prepared to sanction the transfer.

Cashing in on the 23-year-old allows Leipzig to successfully balance their books while retaining other prized emerging talents, such as highly sought-after winger Yan Diomande.

At Arsenal, sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly already conducted extensive groundwork on the player, viewing him as a premium addition to further fortify Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing defense.

Arsenal face competition from Premier League rivals

Chelsea and Manchester United are equally invested in the race. The Blues have tracked Lukeba for over two years and see him as a necessary upgrade to resolve the defensive inconsistencies plaguing Stamford Bridge, especially with the futures of Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah remaining unclear.

At Old Trafford, the Red Devils have long admired the Frenchman’s aggressive tackling and composure on the ball, viewing him as a foundational piece capable of instantly elevating their defensive unit for the 2026/27 campaign.

With RB Leipzig softening their financial stance and formally communicating his availability to the continent’s heavyweights, Lukeba is now available on the market.

The only question that remains is which Premier League giant can offer the most compelling project to secure his signature.