€60m price makes Bundesliga defender tempting for Chelsea – if he can provide one thing

Despite the endless briefings from Chelsea that they’re not looking to sign a new central defender, and that they’re happy with what they have plus the future additions of Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino, the rumours keep coming.

Chelsea unlikely to make defender moves in January

Levi Colwill playing against PSG. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Blues stayed true to their word in the summer – despite the injury to Levi Colwill which pretty much ended his season before it had begun, they didn’t sign anyone else.

A recent wave of defensive injuries really tested the squad to its limits, but we should be back in a more comfortable place after the international break, with Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo all likely to be back fit to face Nottingham Forest in a week’s time.

Elite options lining up for summer

But with at least one defender likely to depart in the summer, we would not rule out another signing at that point. One name who comes up a lot is Castello Lukeba, once of Lyon and now of RB Leipzig.

CaughtOffside today have an exclusive which claims that the German side are willing to accept €60m for the central defender, with Chelsea, Liverpool and others all linked with him as he continues his impressive development.

He’s a nice all rounder – strong, quick, good on the ball and calm. Even in the open and hectic Bundesliga he’s starting to really shine.

Chelsea don’t want or need another development project at the back – they’re well covered for young talent. What they want is an elite player who can slot in and contribute right away. Our scouts have the rest of this season to work out if they think Lukeba can make that sort of impact next summer.

Then the bidding can begin.