Arsenal have begun discussions over a potential deal for RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba during the summer transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
The Gunners bolstered their backline last summer with the signings of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie from Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
The latter was signed on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £45 million, and reports claim the London giants have already decided to purchase him.
Despite this, Arsenal continue to be linked with central defenders and L’Equipe in France cite that they have ‘begun discussions’ to sign Lukeba from Leipzig at the end of the campaign.
The France international has his sights on moving to the Premier League or La Liga this summer, and it is highlighted that the Gunners have started talks, likely on an internal level.
No negotiations have been held with Leipzig or Lukeba’s entourage, but the Bundesliga outfit are aiming for a package between £52 million and £60 million to sanction his sale.
Arsenal unlikely to pursue deal for Lukeba
The Gunners have one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football at the moment. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are undisputed starters in the Premier League and Champions League games when fully fit and firing.
Arsenal have sufficient depth and quality behind them. Piero Hincapie has played as a regular left-back since the turn of the year, but the Ecuadorian showed his quality in the left centre-back position when Gabriel was on the sidelines.
Similarly, Mosquera has been a fabulous acquisition from Los Che. The Spaniard arrived for just £13 million from La Liga last summer and has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League’s intensity. He has been a good deputy for Saliba and Gabriel.
Aside from the quartet, manager Mikel Arteta has also called upon Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the heart of the defence this term when required. With six solid options in the squad, there appears to be no need for another centre-back.
Lukeba, who is a left-footed central defender, has been a key player for Leipzig since his switch from Lyon. He has completed 90 percent of his passes in the Bundesliga this campaign, while winning an impressive 68 percent of his ground duels.
The Frenchman has also made five recoveries and five clearances per outing. Lukeba has the traits to become an elite Premier League player, but we doubt the Gunners will pursue another centre-back during the summer transfer window.
A move for Lukeba may only happen if Hincapie is not signed permanently or Gabriel secures a shock departure. We don’t see either of those happening. The speculation could be agent-driven to ignite interest from other English sides.