RB Leipzig close in on Lyon’s Castello Lukeba to replace Gvardiol

Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are close to signing Lyon’s highly-rated defender Castello Lukeba, according to Kicker.

Leipzig’s initial bid of €26 million for Lukeba was rejected by Lyon, but Die Roten Bellen weren’t about to give up easily. 

Determined to bolster their defensive ranks, the club’s sporting director Max Eberl personally flew to Lyon on Wednesday to finalise the deal. 

The negotiations seem to have taken a positive turn. Leipzig appear poised to meet Lyon’s asking price of €34 million.

The 20-year-old’s potential move to Leipzig signifies a significant step up in his career, and if all goes according to plan, he will be penning a lucrative five-year contract with the German outfit. 

The young French defender has impressed many with his mature performances and positional awareness. He looks like a perfect fit for Leipzig’s dynamic style of play.

However, as one door opens, another closes, and in this case, it leads to Manchester City. 

Josko Gvardiol’s departure from Leipzig is becoming a reality, as the Croatian prodigy is reportedly on the cusp of joining the English giants Manchester City. 

City offered a base fee of €90 million, which could surge beyond the €100 million mark with add-ons. Leipzig are now ready to part ways with their prized asset.

Gvardiol’s massive transfer fee will make him the most expensive defender of all time, surpassing the previous record held by Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.

Despite their initial sluggishness in the transfer market, Leipzig’s summer transfer window has sprung into life. 

They have secured the signing of Lois Openda to replace Christopher Nkunku, who moved to Chelsea this summer. They have also added Fabio Carvalho and the promising Xavi Simons on season-long loans.

Furthermore, they have signed goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle, Christoph Baumgartner, midfielder Nicolas Seiwald, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu. 

Also, the promising Benjamin Sesko has joined the squad as they bid to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title.