Bayern Munich cool interest in Castello Lukeba as Arsenal push ahead

Bayern Munich are reconsidering a move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, potentially giving Arsenal a clear run at one of Europe’s most sought-after young centre-backs this summer.

The 23-year-old French-Angolan is on the radar of several elite clubs, with Manchester United also monitoring his situation, but Bayern’s stance appears to be shifting.

Despite sporting director Max Eberl’s familiarity with Lukeba from the Red Bull network, Bayern’s current defensive options make a deal less straightforward. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are established starters, while Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito add further depth, raising doubts over whether Lukeba would receive the regular minutes he expects at this stage of his career. That uncertainty over a guaranteed starting role is believed to be key to Bayern’s hesitation.

Lukeba is thought to have a release clause of around £69 million, though Leipzig may listen to offers closer to £52 million. Arsenal have already held early talks with his representatives and see him as a prime candidate to strengthen competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Club scouts have followed him closely, including during Leipzig’s recent draw with Borussia Dortmund, where he impressed again, reinforcing his status as a leading defensive target for Mikel Arteta this summer.