Arsenal are set to launch one of the most ambitious defensive overhauls in Premier League history this summer, with a confirmed double pursuit of RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba and Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento that could cost a staggering €149 million combined.
The Gunners have already transformed their squad in recent windows, splashing out last summer to sign Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke. Those additions have propelled Arsenal to the top of the table with a nine-point lead, despite Manchester City holding a game in hand. Many observers now believe this group is on course to finally lift the Premier League title.
Yet even with the league’s best defence by some distance, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are refusing to stand still. The Times has confirmed that Arsenal are actively monitoring both Lukeba and Livramento as key summer targets, viewing the pair as elite reinforcements for an already formidable backline.
Lukeba, the 23-year-old French centre-back, would theoretically arrive to provide fresh competition for Gabriel and William Saliba. However, Arsenal’s current defensive depth complicates the picture. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are already established options, while Piero Hincapie is expected to make his move permanent this summer. Game time for the Leipzig star would therefore not be guaranteed, raising questions about squad harmony and rotation under Arteta.
French outlet L’Equipe were first to break the story, revealing that Berta has already made direct contact with Leipzig counterparts. Arsenal have since been told Lukeba can be signed for his €80 million (£69m / $92m) exit clause. We understand the player’s representatives have held talks with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea as they push for a Premier League move.
By contrast, signing Tino Livramento appears to make significantly more tactical sense. The England international has emerged as the ideal candidate to replace a frustrated Ben White at right-back while offering genuine versatility — he can also perform at left-back when required. Newcastle are demanding £60 million (€69.5m / $80m) or more, a fee that would shatter the current world-record transfer for a full-back (Achraf Hakimi’s €68 million move to PSG in 2021). We confirmed on Thursday that Newcastle are now open to selling after contract talks stalled, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all alerted to the opportunity.
At this stage, however, Manchester City lead the race. Pep Guardiola’s side have long admired Livramento and are prepared to spend big to bring him to the Etihad. Arsenal will therefore need to move decisively if they are to land the versatile Englishman and provide genuine competition for Jurrien Timber.
The potential €149 million outlay on this superstar duo would not only reinforce the league leaders’ backline but fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Premier League title race. With Arsenal already nine points clear and boasting the division’s meanest defence, further elite additions could make them virtually untouchable next season.
Arsenal: Winger tussle; exit decision reached Meanwhile, Liverpool having a bid for a winger rejected has reportedly handed Arsenal the chance to complete a transfer hijack. Arteta’s side have reached a firm decision on the future of Riccardo Calafiori amid interest from four Italian clubs, including Juventus. Arsenal have also been overtaken by Manchester United in the race for a big-name Bundesliga signing, according to a well-placed journalist. Plus, Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest update on a rumoured superstar pursuit by the Gunners.
This summer window is shaping up to be transformative. Arsenal are not merely strengthening — they are redefining what title-winning squads look like in the modern Premier League.