Barcelona initiate contacts with Bundesliga club to enquire defender’s price – report | OneFootball

A new centre-back is high up Barcelona’s priority list of operations for the summer transfer window, yet remains as one where the club have made the least progress.

Over the past few weeks, the Catalans have been superficially linked with several players including Aymeric Laporte, Alessandro Bastoni, Castello Lukeba and even Cristian Romero.

However, no notable progress has been made on any front.

Now, a report on SPORT brings to light an update on the club’s centre-back aspirations and a critical decision they have taken on that front.

Contacts initiated

Indeed, as conveyed by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona have made contact with RB Leipzig to enquire about the situation and availability of Castello Lukeba. As a left-footed centre-back, he is seen as a great option.

Lukeba has been a standout in the Bundesliga. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Deco and Hansi Flick really like the player and have had him at the top of their wishlist for a long time now. He is, after all, seen as one of the most promising young centre-backs on the planet.

Lukeba already has several options on his table from the Premier League but has not left the Bundesliga. A chance to sign for Barcelona, however, appeals to him and he is willing to make the jump.

The youngster’s market value stands at €30 million as matters stand, and Barcelona have called to enquire the price Leipzig expect from his transfer.

Kounde’s situation is key

Ronald Araujo has already left Barcelona for Liverpool, leaving the centre-back position more vulnerable than before. Barcelona do thus see it as a priority to sign a new player in the department.

A lot depends on Kounde’s future. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The situation of Jules Kounde, however, will have a massive impact on how Barcelona’s interest in Lukeba progresses. After all, the Frenchman has offers on his table and a departure is not ruled out.

Should the full-back leave, the club are more likely to pursue a high-quality and high-cost defensive hire.

Given the lack of options and Flick’s clear opposition to some names like Bastoni and Romero, Lukeba may well be Barcelona’s best bet apart from Laporte.