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Arsenal now eyeing move for Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba

By on April 11, 2026

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign highly rated centre-back Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig next summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Having already earned six international caps for France at the senior level, the 6ft 1in centre-back is tipped for a spot in Didier Deschamps’ final Les Bleus squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his reputable displays for Leipzig this season, where he has featured in 26 games across all competitions.

Leipzig currently sit third in the Bundesliga on 53 points, but VfB Stuttgart are closely behind in fourth place on equal points.

Hoffenheim are also keenly contesting, sitting just two points adrift of Leipzig as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies in the run-up to the season’s finale.

Should Die Roten Bullen fail to secure a top-four finish for the second consecutive season, they could be forced into significant summer sales.

Lukeba now looks certain to depart the Red Bull Arena regardless of the German club’s European status, as TEAMtalk claims Leipzig have decided the 23-year-old will leave in the summer, in what would be a major sale.

As a result, intermediaries have now made direct contact with several clubs, including Arsenal, who are looking to further reinforce their backline in the summer, according to the report.

Depth

While the Gunners are nearing an agreement to sign Piero Hincapie permanently, the report adds that the Ecuadorian, alongside Riccardo Calafiori, is viewed as a left-back, meaning there’s space to add a new left-centre-back, with Lukeba now being eyed.

However, the France international has also been offered to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, according to the report, in what could be a fierce battle in the summer.

While Lukeba has a £70m release clause, the Gunners have been informed by intermediaries that Leipzig are willing to drop their valuation to £55m, with Andrea Berta already making extensive background checks on the Frenchman, TEAMtalk adds.

The 6ft 1in centre-back has already amassed significant experience at such a young age, with over 150 senior appearances, making him a strong fit for the Gunners.

With Calafiori and Hincapie being considered left-backs according to the report, Lukeba would be a good option to provide competition for Gabriel Magalhães at left centre-back in what would be one of the most formidable defensive depths in Europe.