Romano reveals TRUTH about Chelsea rumour

Cameron Smith

27 Sept 2024 09:30 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are not in active negotiations to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

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The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the Frenchman last summer, but they opted against completing a deal and he eventually joined Bundesliga side Leipzig instead.

Despite their failure to land Lukeba in 2023, Chelsea remain interested in the 22-year-old as they continue scouting the best young players in world football.

However, Romano has confirmed that Chelsea aren’t currently looking to purchase the former Lyon wonderkid.

He told his Caught Offside column: “At the moment, there’s nothing concrete to report concerning a Chelsea move for Castello Lukeba. There are no talks and no negotiations ongoing.

“Several top clubs have been following Lukeba for months, clubs from Spain and England… but after selling [Mohamed] Simakan in August, I don’t think it will be easy at all for any club to sign Lukeba from Leipzig in January.”

Castello Lukeba to leave RB Leipzig?

While Chelsea aren’t currently looking to sign Lukeba, as per Romano, the France U21 international has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid in recent weeks.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to sign Leny Yoro during the most recent summer transfer window and they have reportedly turned their attention to Lukeba as they look to bolster their backline following Nacho Fernandez’s departure to Saudi Arabia.

Current ETV

Castello Lukeba

D (C)

RB Leipzig

Castello Lukeba

D (C)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€32.9M - €54.8M

David Alaba also hasn’t played since December due to injury, meaning signing a new centre-back is likely to be a priority for Los Blancos in 2025.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have a plethora of centre-backs currently available to Enzo Maresca - with Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi all at his disposal.

In addition, Anselmino is back on loan at Boca Juniors and will join his new team-mates at Stamford Bridge next year.