RB Leipzig eye West Ham & Liverpool target Arthur Theate | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are considering a move for Rennes defender Arthur Theate, according to L’Equipe.

The 23-year-old Belgian is a hot prospect, with multiple European clubs expressing interest in acquiring his talents.

Just yesterday, the French publication revealed that Fulham and Liverpool are vying for Theate’s signature.

The left-footed defender joined Rennes in a €20 million deal from Bologna last year.

The centre-back’s impact at Rennes has been undeniable, contributing five goals and an assist in 42 appearances.

He was pivotal in keeping ten clean sheets in his 35 Ligue 1 matches. His progressive numbers are incredible, ranking in the 99th percentile for passing and in the 88th percentile for carries.

The report states that Leipzig and Theate’s representatives have initiated discussions, indicating intent from the German Supercup winners.

Leipzig’s pursuit of the versatile centre-back comes after Josko Gvardiol’s massive €90 million transfer to Manchester City and El Chadaille Bitshiabu’s unfortunate knee ligament injury.

Leipzig head coach Marco Rose made it clear in a recent press conference that he doesn’t plan to deploy newly-acquired right-footed defender Castello Lukeba in the left-sided centre-back position.

This decision solidifies the urgency for Leipzig to secure a skilled left-footed player like Theate.

Despite these recent developments, Leipzig have yet to make a formal bid to Rennes.

Leipzig will begin their Bundesliga campaign against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, fresh off defeating Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for the Supercup title.

After signing Lois Openda, Fabio Carvalho, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, Leopold Zingerle, Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, Lukeba and Bitshiabu, Die Roten Bullen look set to challenge the Bavarians for the league title.

Leipzig looked devastating on the counter against Bayern, and if they can maintain the ruthlessness they showed last week, they can halt Bayern’s monopoly of the Bundesliga.