Defensive top star in sight: Bayern reportedly interested in Bundesliga star | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s future in central defense is already settled. Dayot Upamecano has extended his expiring contract until 2030. Jonathan Tah is also a long-term player – and yet Castello Lukeba is now a prominent name on Munich’s transfer radar

As the portal Sportsboom reports, the German record champions are among several European heavyweights positioning themselves in the poker game for the 23-year-old Frenchman. In addition to Bayern, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Arsenal FC are specifically mentioned. Arsenal in particular are said to have already defined Lukeba internally as a „priority target“

Lukeba as future defensive boss?

photo: IMAGO

In Munich, the left-footer is said to be a potential leader in defence, a profile that fits the bill: young, internationally experienced, with development potential and already proven at the highest level. Lukeba has 91 competitive matches for RB Leipzig and 68 appearances for Olympique Lyon. He moved from Lyon to Saxony in 2023 for around €30 million – a deal that quickly paid off in sporting terms

When fit, Lukeba is a regular at RB, although he has been absent recently due to knee problems. In the long term, however, he is considered one of the most exciting defensive players of his generation

The personnel situation is particularly explosive in view of the contractual situation. Lukeba’s contract in Leipzig runs until 2029 and is said to contain an exit clause of 80 to 90 million euros. According to Sportsboom, however, RB would be willing to discuss offers of around 60 million euros – provided significant bonus payments are agreed

Competition never sleeps

Rumours of Bayern’s interest have been circulating for more than a year, but no concrete talks have yet been confirmed. What is clear, however, is that the competition is prominent. Arsenal are said to have knocked on the door in January, while Real Madrid and Aston Villa are monitoring the situation from the background

From Leipzig’s point of view, a sale would be painful in sporting terms, but financially attractive. A transfer in the region of at least €60 million would bring the club a hefty profit, as they „only“ paid €30 million themselves in the summer of 2023

Whether FC Bayern actually gets serious also depends on the internal squad planning, but with regard to the Upamecano extension, there is currently no pressure to act in the summer.