After a rather underwhelming run of performances this season, Real Madrid are planning to strengthen their squad in multiple positions in the summer transfer window.
One of the major debates heading into the summer is whether to sign a new centre-back or not, with the Merengues still undecided over the matter.
Carlo Ancelotti and several other figures at Valdebebas are batting for reinforcements in the position but some within the hierarchy remain reluctant.
Should Los Blancos finally decide to go after a defender, William Saliba is seen as the priority target while youngster Dean Huijsen is also regarded very highly.
Castello Lukeba also an option
According to Mario Cortegana, Real Madrid also have other options on their radars, which include RB Leipzig and France centre-back Castello Lukeba.
The 22-year-old is a subject of interest for Los Blancos, who have been tracking him for quite some time now.
A young and talented player with loads of potential to make it big, Lukeba fits the profile of players Real Madrid usually target.
However, a major obstacle is that the Frenchman signed a new contract with Leipzig last year, committing himself to the Bundesliga outfit until 2029. Furthermore, the deal contains an enormous €90 million release clause.
Lukeba could be available for lesser
But, as per the update from Cortegana, even though Lukeba’s release clause stands at a mammoth €90 million, there is an agreement between him and Leipzig which will allow him to leave for a fee lower than that figure.
This could work out in favour of Real Madrid if they do indeed decide to step up their pursuit of the 22-year-old youngster come summer.
But the deal for the one-time capped French international could still end being costlier than a move for Huijsen whose release clause stands at £50 million (~€58 million).
Apart from Lukeba, the Spanish capital club also have their sights on Ibrahima Konate, whose contract at Liverpool expires in 2026 while Jorrel Hato of AFC Ajax is also on the list.
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