According to Goal.com, RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a key target for Barcelona and is willing to prioritize a move to the Catalan club.

The Athletic reports that Lukeba is prepared to accept joining Barcelona if the club makes a move in the next winter transfer window or in the summer of 2027.

Transfer expert Ekrem Konur confirmed that Barcelona continues to monitor the French left-sided centre-back. Flick has received positive reports on him and believes Lukeba can adapt to Barcelona's style of play. Lukeba would also prioritize Barcelona's interest over Premier League clubs that inquired about him last summer.

Barcelona's sporting department pushed to strengthen the defence in the last transfer window, and Deco even held talks with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, but Flick ultimately vetoed the idea of signing a left-sided centre-back.

Other defenders considered by Barcelona included Aymeric Laporte and Cristian Romero. The latter ultimately joined Atlético Madrid because Barcelona hesitated. Lukeba was also among the options considered by the board; the club had already inquired about the conditions to sign him, but discussions never progressed beyond the information-gathering stage.

At 23 years old, Lukeba is one of the most promising defenders on the transfer market, and Barcelona is well aware that signing him would be a significant addition for both the present and the future.

Now, with Andreas Christensen injured, Barcelona is evaluating its current options. However, the club's intention is not to strengthen in January unless a significant sale can be completed. The winter transfer window is typically difficult to navigate.

Ekrem Konur indicated that RB Leipzig could be willing to let Lukeba go for around €65 million, though the fee could be lower, as Lukeba is determined to continue his career in the Bundesliga.

Lukeba is physically strong, quick, and comfortable playing out from the back. The defender came through Lyon's youth academy and joined RB Leipzig from Lyon for €30 million at age 20, gradually building a solid reputation since then.

At international level, Lukeba has become an important player for France, but due to some muscle issues, he was absent from Zinedine Zidane's initial squad list. However, the new manager has stated that he will continue to count on him in the future.

Traducido por IA.

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