Chelsea and Man Utd Target €90m Leipzig Defender Castello Lukeba

Chelsea and Manchester United have registered interest in RB Leipzig highly-rated 22-year-old defender Castello Lukeba, according to German outlet BILD. The Frenchman, who replaced Josko Gvardiol at Leipzig, has a €90 million release clause for this summer. Real Madrid remains Lukeba preferred destination, but Chelsea and Man Utd, along with Liverpool, are also in the race. Leipzig, needing funds after spending up to €80 million on Xavi Simons, may be open to selling.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Chelsea and Manchester United have expressed interest in RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who joined Leipzig as a replacement for Josko Gvardiol, has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top defensive talents.

Lukeba, who recently signed a contract extension, has a €90 million release clause for the summer. Reports indicate that he is ready to leave Leipzig, with Real Madrid as his preferred destination. However, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also officially registered their interest.

Leipzig, known for making high-profile sales to balance their finances, may be willing to negotiate. The club recently spent a record €50 million (potentially rising to €80 million with bonuses) to secure Xavi Simons from PSG permanently. They are also expected to sell Benjamin Sesko for around €65 million.

If Leipzig misses out on Champions League qualification, they might be forced to sell additional players, making Lukeba a prime candidate for departure. With major European clubs vying for his signature, his transfer saga is set to be one of the most closely followed in the upcoming transfer window.