Castello Lukeba plays down summer exit talk amid Arsenal and Liverpool links
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has addressed speculation linking him with a summer transfer, insisting his focus remains on his current club. The 23-year-old French centre-back, who has been connected with Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool, told German publication Sport Bild that he does not feel any urgency to seek a move in the upcoming window.
When asked if he felt ready for a step to a bigger club, Lukeba was measured in his response. "I still have time and don’t feel that this issue is urgent," he said. "I know there are always transfer rumours about me. But it wouldn’t be good for me and wouldn’t be fair to the team if I started thinking about that now." This public dismissal of the immediate speculation will be welcomed by Leipzig officials as they plan for next season.
The former Lyon player only joined Die Roten Bullen in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of €34 million, signing a five-year contract. He has since established himself as a key component of Marco Rose's defence, making 43 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign. His consistent performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League are understood to have attracted the attention of scouts from several elite European clubs.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that any club wishing to prise Lukeba away from the Red Bull Arena this summer would need to trigger a release clause or table an offer in the region of €90 million. When questioned about these substantial valuations, the defender distanced himself from the financial discussions. "I don’t set these prices," Lukeba stated. "So in the end, it doesn’t matter to me whether I’m valued at €180 million or €5. But if a transfer were to happen someday, I would think it’s fair for Leipzig to get a lot."
His comments acknowledge the club's significant investment and the development platform they have provided. For Leipzig, Lukeba represents a major asset and a pillar for their future, making a sale this summer highly unlikely unless a truly exceptional offer materializes. The club's model involves identifying and developing talent, but they typically only sanction sales of key players after longer periods or for fees that allow for substantial reinvestment.
For the interested Premier League clubs, Lukeba's remarks indicate a player content with his current situation, potentially cooling immediate speculation. Arsenal's search for a left-sided central defender is well-documented, while Liverpool's new sporting director, Richard Hughes, is assessing options ahead of the summer market. However, any pursuit would now seem to require a patient, long-term strategy rather than an expectation of a quick deal. Lukeba's immediate future appears to lie in Germany, where he will aim to build on a solid first season and help Leipzig challenge for Champions League qualification once more.
