Chelsea transfer target Castello Lukeba of Lyon in process of changing agents
20-year-old centre-back Castello Lukeba is believed to be on Chelsea’s transfer radar. According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t Express), he is in the process of changing his agent.
This could, of course, indicate that he is planning on leaving the Ligue 1 giants. Chelsea apparently failed with a 38million Pounds offer last summer and could reignite their interest in the player again this summer.
Lukeba is having an impressive season in France, where he has played 33 games across competitions this season. The left-footed centre-back has five caps for France’s U21 side and his contract expires in 2025 (Transfermarkt).
Of course, a new deal could also mean he just wants to be represented well and perhaps search for a better contract at the Groupama Stadium. Then again, we can be hopeful he is thinking about a potential switch to the Premier League, especially Chelsea.
Smart move?
It remains to be seen if our desire to sign him is as strong as it was last year. Since Todd Boehly’s arrival as our new owner, the club have signed Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Benoit Badiashile in the centre-back position.
Levi Colwill is another loanee making an impression and seemingly ready to step up to the first team in SW6. However, we would be wise to search for a new defender regardless.
Koulibaly has been very poor since joining us from Napoli, while Fofana’s injury troubles have rendered him ineffective for large parts of the season. Badiashile is still getting to grips with English football while Cesar Azpilicueta is at the dusk of his career.
However, it is questionable if Lukeba will instantly improve our backline. At 20, he is still learning his trade and while he has played first-team football in France, the Premier League has been unforgiving to foreign youngsters.
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He could be a signing for the future but if we are to sign just one centre-back this summer, it would make more sense to go after a more reputed, experienced option.