Real Madrid have reportedly made RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba a top target to sign ahead of next season.
A lack of central defensive options has been a glaring issue for Real over the past 18 months, especially since the long-term knee injury sustained by David Alaba.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has had to rely solely on keeping Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao fit, with no recruits brought in as cover in that position during the summer.
Nacho departed following Real's hugely successful campaign last season after being an excellent servant for the club, but even with him around, Ancelotti was often forced to use Aurelien Tchouameni as a makeshift centre-back.
With Rudiger and Militao fit though, Los Blancos have still not fared too well defensively so far this season, having conceded seven goals in their last two home games - the first time they have let in three or more goals in consecutive games at the Bernabeu since 2009.
While Vinicius Junior took all the headlines in their win over Borussia Dortmund prior to their El Clasico humbling against Barcelona, it is also worth remembering that Real went 2-0 down in that encounter too.
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Real looking to strengthen at centre-back?
Spanish outlet Marca claim that Leipzig defender Lukeba is the man they are targeting to bring in to bolster their defensive options.
The report states that even though Alaba is closing in on a return, his exact return date remains unknown, and the shape he is in when he makes that comeback is also unclear.
At just 21 years of age, Lukeba has already established himself as one of the most promising defenders in Europe, having been a regular in two years at Lyon, and first choice at Leipzig since he arrived in the summer of 2023.
Lukeba will not come cheap though, as Leipzig are renowned for their proficiency in the market, and getting the maximum possible profit for the young players they produce.
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The defender was signed for €30m (£25m), so it is highly probable that the German club will seek to at least double that fee, even though Lukeba is yet to become a full French international.
Do Real have players on their shortlist?
According to the report, Lukeba is not the only player they are considering to improve their defence next season.
The defender has recently renewed his contract with Leipzig, signing an extension until the summer of 2029, but has not closed the door on leaving, and it would be very difficult to ignore an offer from Real Madrid if they came knocking.
However, if Real are unable to strike a deal for the young defender, the club have been linked with alternatives.
The Spanish giants may have missed out on Leny Yoro over the summer, but Jonathan Tah, Vitor Reis and even Aymeric Laporte, despite his recent move to Saudi Arabia, are also believed to be in the minds of the Real Madrid hierarchy.
Andrew Delaney
