MX23RW : Friday, March 21 02:02:48| >> :120:23332:23332:

Real Madrid transfer news: Spanish giants to rival Manchester United, Chelsea for France international?

Real Madrid to battle Man United, Chelsea for centre-back in summer?
© Imago
Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating whether to join the race for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who is also attracting interest from Premier League teams.

Real Madrid have reportedly identified RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as a potential summer transfer target.

Carlo Ancelotti has been left to scramble around for central-defensive options during 2024-25 due to notable injuries in that area of the pitch.

Eder Militao and David Alaba have both missed significant periods due to serious knee injuries, while Antonio Rudiger was recently absent for several games.

On a positive note, Raul Asencio has emerged from the academy setup to showcase his credentials, giving every indication that he can become an established member of the senior squad in the long term.

Nevertheless, it would come as a surprise if Los Blancos did not add to their options in the middle of their backline at the next trading point.

Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig during his side's Champions League match against Liverpool, on October 23rd, 2024© Imago

Real Madrid to rival Premier League clubs?

As reported by The Mirror, Real are contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Lukeba ahead of 2025-26.

The 22-year-old has remained as a key figure for Leipzig this campaign, making 16 starts and two substitute outings in Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures.

In total, 61 appearances have been made since his arrival from Lyon in 2023, while he also possesses a contract until 2029.

That said, it appears that Leipzig will be provided with an opportunity to make a substantial profit on the France international long before that point.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to monitoring any developments with Lukeba as they plot their own move.

Lukeba's release clause is said to stand at £74.5m, a figure that each of the aforementioned quartet will realistically attempt to re-negotiate.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on February 8, 2025© Imago

Who needs Lukeba most?

There is an argument that each club needs a defender of Lukeba's profile to significantly strengthen their options.

In Liverpool's case, a long-term alternative will eventually be required for Virgil van Dijk when Arne Slot only has four centre-backs at his disposal.

Lukeba arriving at either Real Madrid or Man United would substantially reduce the average age of their backline, while Lukeba's ability to be deployed on the left when required would also be advantageous.

As for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has a wide array of central-defensive options, yet Lukeba could be viewed as a certain starter if he were to move to Stamford Bridge.

ID:566434:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5557:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Castello Lukeba

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig during his side's game against Freiburg, on October 26, 2024
Read Next:
The £75m man: Man United, Real Madrid 'among clubs interested' in centre-back
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal291610353242958
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest29166749351454
4Chelsea29147853371649
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Fulham2912984338545
9Aston Villa2912984145-445
10Bournemouth29128948361244
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd29107123740-337
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs291041555431234
15Everton2971393236-434
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2997133349-1634
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2975174058-1826
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2945202565-4017
20Southampton2923242170-499


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!