Chelsea handed €30m transfer discount amid Premier League battle

RB Leipzig are reportedly willing to sell Chelsea target Castello Lukeba for €60 million next summer.

The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a number of top Premier League clubs in recent months and he is widely expected to depart RB Leipzig in 2026 following an eye-catching stint with the Bundesliga outfit.

Lukeba’s current contract at Leipzig, which is due to expire in 2029, includes a release clause worth €90m, however the 22-year-old will be allowed to depart for a transfer fee of €60m next summer.

That is according to a report from CaughtOffside, who claim that Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid have all identified Lukeba as a possible transfer target ahead of the 2026 summer window.

The 22-year-old has racked up 79 senior appearances for Leipzig since arriving at the club from Lyon in 2023 and Liverpool have reportedly earmarked him as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate if they are unable to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi on a Bosman deal.

Guehi remains a key target for Arne Slot’s side, after his failed summer move to Anfield, however European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been tipped to pursue a move for the 25-year-old next year.

Chelsea to sign Castello Lukeba?

Although Chelsea have registered interest in landing Lukeba in 2026, widespread reports suggest they are unlikely to sign a new centre-back next year due to the current crop of options available to Enzo Maresca.

Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong are all currently at Stamford Bridge, while the Blues also own Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr – who are on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg respectively.

However, Maresca was eager to sign a new centre-back following Colwill’s ACL injury in August and Chelsea could feasibly be tempted to pursue a deal for Lukeba following rumours that he will be available for a €30m discount next year.

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