Arsenal pursue Chelsea target as Saliba replacement

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukba as they search for a long-term replacement for William Saliba.

Lukeba, 21, is being monitored by a host of top European clubs, and FootballTransfers understands that Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in purchasing him next summer.

Furthermore, Arsenal have now joined the race for his signature, according to TBR Football.

EXCLUSIVE: Man City rival Chelsea & Real Madrid for Castello Lukeba

The Gunners added Riccardo Calafiori to their plethora of defensive options during the 2024 summer transfer window, but Mikel Arteta remains determined to bolster his backline, and Lukeba has reportedly emerged as a key transfer target.

However, the France U21 international has a €90 million release clause in his RB Leipzig contract, which could become a stumbling block, with the Bundesliga side eager to turn a huge profit on the former Lyon wonderkid.

READ MORE: Arsenal star ‘very close’ to joining Besiktas

Castello Lukeba to Arsenal?

TBR Football claims that Arsenal are lining up a move for Lukeba as a long-term replacement for his compatriot William Saliba, who has been heavily linked with Real Madrid over the past few months.

Los Blancos are currently searching for a new centre-back, following Nacho Fernandez’s summer departure and injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao, with Aurelien Tchouameni set to deputise next to Antonio Rudiger for the remainder of the campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side missed out on key target Leny Yoro this summer, with Manchester United winning the race for his signature, and they have set their sights on finalising a deal for Saliba in 2025.

Although Arsenal hope to tie the France international down to a new contract, they are reportedly preparing for his potential exit, and Lukeba has emerged as their dream replacement option.

However, the 21-year-old signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig in late October and his new deal with the Bundesliga side runs until 2029. Meanwhile, his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €48.1m.