Barcelona showing the most concrete interest in Arsenal defensive target; initial talks held – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are going all guns blazing in the transfer market ahead of the upcoming summer window.

Anthony Gordon has already been signed by the Blaugrana, while a deal for Bernardo Silva is all but secured too.

The focus has since shifted to primary centre-forward target, Julian Alvarez, but the sporting department, led by director Deco, has not lost sight of the need to reinforce the centre-back position.

Castello Lukeba now a target for Barcelona

In that regard, Daily Arsenal reports that Barcelona have identified RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as a target for the summer.

Barcelona eye Castello Lukeba. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

The Frenchman is also being pursued by Premier League champions Arsenal as well, but so far, it is the Blaugrana who have shown the most concrete interest in the player.

In fact, the report goes on to state that the La Liga champions have already held initial talks over a move for Lukeba, with discussions taking place with both RB Leipzig and the 23-year-old centre-back’s camp.

Lukeba fits Barcelona’s preferred profile

Barcelona came into the off-season looking for a new centre-back, preferably a left-footed player who is comfortable playing with the ball at his feet while offering physicality at the back.

Alessandro Bastoni had been identified as a key target, but interest in him has since considerably cooled down.

Lukeba has a contract until 2029. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Lukeba, though, fits the profile of the players Barça are looking for to strengthen the centre-back position. Moreover, at just 23 years old, he can prove to be a long-term addition for the Catalan heavyweights.

However, signing Lukeba will not be easy as his contract with RB Leipzig runs until the summer of 2029 and is said to include a mammoth release clause worth €90 million.

So, it will be interesting to see how things progress, with talks seemingly taking place between Barcelona, Leipzig, and Lukeba’s representatives.