Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing 20-year-old French centre-back Castello Lukeba from Ligue 1 club Lyon.
According to Rob Pratley, Chelsea have been scouting 20-year-old Lyon centre-back Castello Lukeba ahead of a potential move next year.
Lyon are not keen on selling the player anytime soon, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can tempt them into considering a sale in the coming months. The Blues certainly have the financial muscle to convince the French club.
Chelsea are thought to be looking at Rayan Cherki as well. In addition, another Lyon defender, Malo Gusto, is on the west London club’s radar. Meanwhile, Lukeba has been looked at by a number of other top clubs.
The young defender has a contract with Lyon until the summer of 2025, and he could prove to be a solid long-term signing for Chelsea. However, Lyon are under no pressure to sell him just yet and that makes any move complicated.
Chelsea need to bring in quality young defenders, and Lukeba certainly fits the profile. They will need to replace players like Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva soon. The Blues have Kalidou Koulibaly at their disposal, and the Senegalese international is in his thirties as well. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are the only centre-backs at the club who can play for the long term.
Graham Potter will have to improve his squad considerably in the upcoming windows. And it remains to be seen whether Todd Boehly is prepared to break the bank for talented youngsters like Lukeba and Cherki. Chelsea are thought to be looking at players like Josko Gvardiol as well.
The 20-year-old defender could be tempted to move to Stamford Bridge if a concrete offer is presented in the coming months. That said, he will need to join a club where he will play every week. Lukeba cannot afford to sit on the bench at a top club. So he must seek assurances from Chelsea before any potential move.
A move to Stamford Bridge could be a defining moment in his career. And Lukeba could thrive under the management of Potter, who has helped a number of young players develop at Brighton. As things stand, convincing Lyon will be Chelsea’s biggest challenge.
