Chelsea may stand a greater chance of signing a central defensive target if one thing happens this season.
A few areas at Chelsea still look a little bit light despite all the investment, including in the centre-back position. Therefore, will we see the Blues owners splash the cash once again to try add a top-class defender?
Chelsea are planning a significant summer transfer window by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.
The Blues have struggled in the heart of defence because Levi Colwill’s not had a consistent partner since Wesley Fofana’s injury, so they need to find a permanent fix at Stamford Bridge.
RB Leipzig may have to listen to bids for Chelsea target Castello Lukeba
On the list of defenders linked with Chelsea in recent times, RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba is one of the most exciting ones.
It was claimed back in October that Chelsea are looking at Leipzig centre-back Lukeba, who’s a £60m-rated ace also attracting interest from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Aston Villa as well.
Now, according to The Mirror, Leipzig may be forced into a position this summer where they need to consider selling some of their top stars.
If they miss out on Champions League qualification, Leipzig will have no choice but to listen to bids for Lukeba, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons because of financial reasons. The report mentions that Chelsea and Liverpool are on a long list of admirers eyeing Lukeba.
When you consider that Leipzig currently sit out of the Champions League spots in the German Bundesliga, it means that suitors for their top players could receive a real boost.
| Position | Club | Games | Points |
| 1 | Bayern Munich | 24 | 61 |
| 2 | Bayer Leverkusen | 24 | 53 |
| 3 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 24 | 42 |
| 4 | Mainz | 24 | 41 |
| 5 | Frieburg | 23 | 39 |
| 6 | RB Leipzig | 24 | 38 |
Castello Lukeba impressing this season
Even though he’s had his injury interruptions, Lukeba is making a positive impact in the Leipzig defence this term.
We’re not surprised that the 22-year-old star, who’s a modern day centre-back, is on the radar of some elite clubs in the transfer market.
| Games | Pass accuracy | Duels won % | Dribbled past | Yellow cards | Average rating |
| 14 | 88.6% | 68.7% | 3 | 1 | 7.05 |
While he’s definitely a very exciting young defender, we wonder if Chelsea would be wiser going after a more experienced centre-half to help lead a young squad at Stamford Bridge.
