Arsenal are understood to be working on a deal to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window, a deal that would confuse many fans.
Andrea Berta spent close to £250m in his first transfer window as Arsenal’s sporting director, and now, the Italian is eyeing another busy summer of spending.
All fans want to see is a superstar revamp to the attack, but in true Mikel Arteta fashion, a defensive signing can’t be ruled out.
Not only are Arsenal considering options at right-back, but in central defence too, as L’Equipe has just reported that Castello Lukeba is on the Gunners’ radar.
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Arsenal targeting Castello Lukeba transfer makes no sense
There’s a reason why clubs are queuing to explore the possibility of signing Lukeba, who is the perfect modern-day centre-back.
Not only is the 23-year-old a stellar defender, but he’s a top ball player too, capable of playing in a back three or four.
He’s a player on the rise; however, when it comes to Arsenal’s interest, it just makes no sense.
L’Equipe understand that Berta has ‘begun discussions’ to lure the Frenchman to North London, which is puzzling given how well-stocked Arsenal are at centre-back.
William Saliba and Gabriel are the firm starters, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Marli Salmon and even Christian Norgaard can play the role too, so why is another centre-back on the agenda?
It’s equally confusing as Lukeba is showing form that proves he should be a starter, the same arguably applies to Mosquera already at Arsenal, so spending a sizeable fee on another is bizarre.
What would your reaction be if Arsenal spent £50m+ on ANOTHER defender?
Unlike Mosquera, who cost Arsenal just £13m, Leipzig want a price between €60m and €70m for Lukeba, a huge expense for a non-starter.
Central defensive options aside, it has to be said that Arsenal’s budget is best spent elsewhere, as a revamp in attack is desperately needed, which won’t come cheap.
The idea of spending a considerable chunk of the summer budget on another defender when luxury attackers are needed is infuriating.
We’ve seen this season that Arsenal’s defence is as good as it gets, but the attack is the opposite.
My plea to Berta? Go big in the market on superstar attackers; it’s what will truly take Arsenal to the next level, not another sublime, but costly, defender.
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