Real Madrid's chances of signing one of Europe's most highly-admired defenders may be in jeopardy as Arsenal are prepared to go "all out" for the center-back. There are several options on the club's shortlist to help strengthen defense this summer.
It has looked likely that Nico Schlotterbeck will be Madrid's top defensive target and the German is prioritising a move to the Estadio Bernabeu. The Borussia Dortmund man fits the bill for Los Blancos due to his left-footed profile and experience at the age of 26.
A move for Schlotterbeck isn't guaranteed and that is why the club have alternatives in mind. One of those is RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba who has caught the eye in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid face competition from Arsenal
Lukeba has flourished at Leipzig and is one of France's most promising center-backs. He has appeared 19 times across competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
According to Fichajes, Madrid now face competition from Arsenal for the 23-year-old who has three years left on his contract. He has been on Los Blancos' radar for quite some time but the Gunners seem keen to take him to the Emirates.
Lukeba has an €80 million release clause in his contract which is a hefty fee for a center-back. But there have been claims that a €60 million fee might be enough for Leipzig to sell the France U21 international.
Madrid remain favorites for now and he could be an ideal replacement for Antonio Rudiger or David Alaba if the duo depart. If both were to leave then the club might feel two new defenders are needed and that might see both Lukeba and Schlotterbeck arrive.
Lukeba has more chance of regular game time at Madrid
Arsenal's interest in Lukeba is a surprise given Mikel Arteta has four options in defense. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have forged a formidable partnership.
Arteta also has Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera to turn to if one of those two are injured or suspended. Ben White's versatility allows him to play central defense and that's also the case for left-back Riccardo Calafiori.
Madrid are therefore better positioned to offer Lukeba regular game time given the likelihood that at least one of Alaba or Rudiger will depart. Alaba in particular looks to be headed for the exit door when his contract expires in June.
Lukeba's potential is undeniable but his potential transfer does feel expensive. He could easily slot into Los Blancos' defense given Dean Huijsen is taking his time to adapt to life in La Liga.