Chelsea & Man Utd face unwanted Real Madrid competition

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Sept 2024 18:48 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, according to reports in Spain.

The 21-year-old is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in world football and his stock has risen exponentially since his move to Germany last summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United were both interested in completing a deal earlier this year, as per Foot Mercato, but they eventually opted against signing the Frenchman.

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Instead, Chelsea added Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga to their defensive roster, while Man Utd signed Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

However, they could come to regret that decision, with news that Real Madrid are now interested in Lukeba.

Los Blancos even sent scouts to watch the ex-Lyon defender in action against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, according to Marca, as they eye a possible move in 2025.

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Castello Lukeba to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid missed out on the aforementioned Yoro this summer and the Spanish giants are eager to sign a new centre-back next year following Nacho Fernandez’s move to Saudi Arabia.

Lukeba has now emerged as a key target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, with Los Blancos aiming to complete a deal in 2025.

The Frenchman made 41 appearances during his debut campaign at RB Leipzig, following his arrival as Josko Gvardiol’s replacement.

Lukeba’s current contract with Leipzig is due to expire in 2028, while he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €43.8 million.

In addition to Lukeba, Real Madrid are also hoping to sign both Alphonso Davies and Trent Alexander-Arnold on free transfers.

They are both due to become free agents in 2025, when their deals with Bayern Munich and Liverpool expire, and Real Madrid are hoping to pounce as they look to freshen up their full-back pairing next summer.