RB Leipzig centre‑back Castello Lukeba, 23, is the subject of a €60m bidding war that has attracted Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Leipzig’s 2029 contract extension and an €80‑90m release clause have turned the defender into a premium export, with structured deals potentially bringing the fee down to €60m. Arsenal see Lukeba as a priority target to bolster their back‑three, while Tottenham and Aston Villa are also keen to add a player who can operate in aggressive defensive systems.
If a deal is reached, Lukeba would join the ranks of the most expensive defenders in history, following the likes of Josko Gvardiol’s move to Manchester City.