Boost for Arsenal? Bayern stance for ‘expensive’ defender revealed | OneFootball

Bayern Munich are unlikely to move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window. 

The news will come as a potential boost to Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal, who are reportedly showing keen interest in him.

Manchester United are also believed to be interested in signing the French defender.

Castello Lukeba: Arsenal advantage in the race?

Earlier this month, French publication L’Equipe reported that Lukeba is firmly on Arsenal’s radar.

The north London club are impressed by Lukeba’s development over the years and has opened discussions over a possible summer move.

Arsenal scouts recently watched him during Leipzig’s 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund, and they were impressed with what they saw.

The north London club are yet to submit an official bid, but they have begun laying the groundwork for a potential move by holding talks with the player’s agents.

Arsenal do have a wealth of options at the back, but it appears that Mikel Arteta still wants to add more depth and quality to the side.

Bayern to miss out on Castello Lukeba?

Lukeba joined Leipzig in the summer of 2023 from Lyon and has become an important player for the club.

The defender reportedly has a £69m release clause in his contract, but it has been suggested that Leipzig could be willing to listen to offers in the region of £52m.

While Lukeba has a contract until 2029, he is open to exploring options elsewhere, and therefore, a move to the Premier League cannot be ruled out.

Christian Falk has told CFBayern that Bayern are monitoring his situation, but he is too expensive for the Bavarian giants.

Unless they sell Kim Min-jae, who is being targeted by Chelsea, the chances of moving for Lukeba are very slim.

Falk said: “It is TRUE: Bayern are monitoring Castello Lukeba. Max Eberl knows the player and likes the player. He has worked before at RB Leipzig. But, at the moment, it’s not true that FC Bayern will buy Lukeba in the summer. Things can change if Kim Min-jae is sold. Then they can invest the transfer fee, which is why Lukeba is still on the list. Luka Vušković would also be on this list if Bayern needed a defender, but at the moment, they don’t need one.

As you see, often RB Leipzig players end up in the Premier League. We’ve seen a lot of them – especially at Liverpool! Just look at Dominik Szoboszlai’s performances this season. This is one of the clubs that always focuses on such players. A while ago, Bayern bought Dayot Upamecano from Leipzig, and it was a good decision. But they can’t always do a deal like this, and we know Lukeba is an expensive player. So, perhaps there’s a deal in the Premier League to be found for the 23-year-old centre-half.”