Arsenal begin talks to sign £51m RB Leipzig star in summer transfer window | Football

Arsenal have begun talks to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, according to reports in France.

The 23-year-old is currently in his third season with RB Leipzig after joining in a €34 million (£29m) deal from Lyon in 2023.

According to L’Equipe, Lukeba is set to leave the Bundesliga club this season and the defender favours either a move to the Premier League or La Liga.

The report claims that Arsenal ‘have begun discussions’ over a possible deal for Lukeba but no offer has been made.

An Arsenal scout also watched Lukeba in action for RB Leipzig in their 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund last month.

Lukeba has a €80 million (£69m) release clause in his deal with Leipzig but the German club are understood to be open to a deal worth €60m (£51.7m).

Speaking about his future earlier this season, Lukeba told Bild: ‘My goal is to get back into Europe with Leipzig, because only watching the Champions League on TV is extremely painful.

‘I’m not thinking any further ahead than that. We have to stay focused. The season is long. Last year we also started well and then had big problems.

‘My dream is to become world champion, or to win the Champions League someday. I don’t dream of playing for a specific club.

‘Rather, I dream of winning titles – because that’s what you remember most at the end of your career.’

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