CHELSEA have reportedly made contact with RB Leipzig for star defender Castello Lukeba after shipping five goals against Arsenal.
The Blues put in a shambolic display at the back as their rivals ran riot at the Emirates.
Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile could not cope with Arsenal’s forwards.
And Chelsea have now conceded 57 goals this season – the most in their Premier League history.
Mauricio Pochettino is facing a huge issue this summer with Thiago Silva set to quit Stamford Bridge.
Trevoh Chalobah is also set to be sold as Chelsea look to comply with FFP.
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While Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill remain long-term injuries.
It means the Blues are in desperate need of at least one new centre-back.
And Lukeba has reportedly emerged as Chelsea’s top target.
Foot Mercato claims the Blues have reached out to Leipzig in the hope of striking a deal.
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Lukeba only joined the Germans from Lyon last summer in a £30million move.
The 21-year-old has already clocked up 37 appearances in all competitions.
And Lukeba’s fine form saw him rewarded with his first France cap last year.
It’s reckoned he could be interested in a Premier League move.
But there are currently two stumbling blocks in Chelsea’s way.
The first is that Leipzig do not want to sell Lukeba at any cost this summer.
Should they keep hold of him, the Germans will still be in a strong position in 2025 when a £77m release clause kicks in.
And in 2026, it will only drop to £60m.
Secondly, it’s added that Manchester United are also interested in striking a deal.
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Like Chelsea, they too will be in need of defensive reinforcements this summer.
And if they gain European football at the Blues’ expense, it could swing the pendulum in their favour.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
