Arsenal have opened formal discussions for RB Leipzig’s highly-rated centre-back Castello Lukeba, while a separate goalkeeper exit has already been tied up, according to fresh reports.
The Gunners are continuing their aggressive pursuit of defensive reinforcements this summer, and the 22-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a prime target. French outlet L’Equipe claims Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has “begun discussions” for Lukeba in recent weeks after a club scout was sent to watch him in February and returned impressed.
Leipzig are understood to value their “crown jewel” at €60-70 million (£52-60m), a fee that reflects the club’s proven track record of developing and selling elite talent for huge profits. Josko Gvardiol, Benjamin Sesko, Dominik Szoboszlai, Xavi Simons, Christopher Nkunku and Dani Olmo have all commanded €60m+ when leaving the Red Bull outfit in recent years.
Lukeba, capped at youth level by France, has also been monitored by Liverpool and Chelsea in the past. However, it remains unclear exactly how he would fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans, especially with Arsenal expected to make loanee Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer.
Kepa exit already agreed
While Arsenal push to strengthen at the back, a high-profile departure has been finalised elsewhere in the squad.
Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is “tired” of playing second fiddle to David Raya and has asked Arteta to let him leave, according to reports in Spain. His next destination has already been settled — a return to LaLiga with Villarreal is described as a “done deal”.
The 30-year-old Spaniard has made just nine appearances this season, all coming in cup competitions. A permanent exit would bring an end to his two-year spell at the Emirates, which began as a loan from Chelsea in 2023 before a £5m permanent switch last summer.
Extra boost in midfield hunt
Arsenal have also received positive news in their search for midfield creativity. Real Madrid have ruled themselves out of the running for Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central.
Brandt’s representatives approached Madrid after it became clear he would not sign a new contract at Dortmund, but Los Blancos have no interest. That development significantly strengthens Arsenal’s position, especially after the club exclusively revealed earlier this week that the Gunners are plotting a stunning double swoop for Brandt and fellow German international Leon Goretzka.
Both players are available on free transfers this summer — Brandt from Dortmund and Goretzka from Bayern Munich — and would represent smart, experienced additions to Arteta’s squad without inflating the wage bill.
With the transfer window heating up, Arsenal appear determined to add quality and depth across the pitch while simultaneously clearing space by moving on fringe players. Lukeba remains the headline target for now, but the confirmed departure of Kepa ensures the squad reshuffle is already underway.