Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Lyon’s rising star Castello Lukeba.
A recent report from Jeunes Footeux has offered an update on the future of Castello Lukeba. The young defender is the latest product of the Lyon academy that has produced several top quality players in the past. And sure enough, his rapid rise to prominence has put multiple clubs on alert, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid closely monitoring his progress.
A centre-back by trade, Lukeba has been one of the major beneficiaries of Jason Denayer’s injury woes this season, coupled with Damien da Silva’s below-par performances. It has given the youngster the opportunity to make his breakthrough at OL, with the player even building a formidable defensive partnership alongside the experienced Jerome Boateng.
With 12 appearances in Ligue 1 so far, Lukeba has made a solid impression with his defensive work ethic that has already led to comparisons with Samuel Umtiti. While the 19-year-old is far from a finished product, his swift growth at Lyon has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in French football.
Chelsea, for one, are among the clubs closely monitoring the development of the talented centre-back, who could be considered an excellent long-term option for Thomas Tuchel. The Blues, after all, are bracing themselves for a mass exodus in the defensive unit, with Inter Milan eyeing a summer swoop for Andreas Christensen, while both Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to leave as well.
The addition of someone like Lukeba could help Tuchel build the core of his future defence. The Frenchman can indeed become the face of the Chelsea backline in the future, alongside the likes of Trevoh Chalobah.
However, the Blues are set to face stiff competition from league rivals Manchester United. While the Red Devils may not face the prospect of losing star defenders in the summer, they are certainly open to finding alternatives to Harry Maguire. In addition, there are uncertainties over the future of Eric Bailly, who has become a target for AS Roma.
Real Madrid are another club keen on securing the services of Castello Lukeba, who could prove to be an ideal prospect in a defensive unit that has appeared overly reliant on the duo of Eder Militao and David Alaba.
However, the report suggests Lukeba is unlikely to move away from Lyon anytime soon. The club’s president is increasingly keen on keeping hold of the defensive asset and will not entertain any offers in the summer, though that should not deter these interested parties from making attempts to sign him, knowing the Frenchman has the potential to become a top-class defender in Europe.
