Real Madrid transfer chief sees Bundesliga ace as his favourite option to bolster defence

News of progress in David Alaba’s injury comes as music to the ears of Carlo Ancelotti and Co. who, are in dire need of reinforcements in the center-back department.

Aurelien Tchouameni has taken over as Carlo Ancelotti’s favoured replacement in the department while Raul Asencio continues to earn call-ups as a reliable backup.

While the club do indeed have Jacobo Ramon and Joan Martinez as good options in the academy as well, Florentino Perez and Co. are keeping their eyes on the market to sign a new young center-back with a high ceiling.

Calafat’s favoured option

Real Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat has been the pioneer behind so many of the club’s transfer successes in recent years and Rodra (h/t RM4Arab) brings to light his preferred option to strengthen the defence.

Indeed, the preferred name is none other than Castello Lukeba who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for a long time.

The young RB Leipzig defender has been making headlines for his strong performances in Germany and is growing as one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.

As relayed earlier this month, Lukeba’s contract has a release clause that will become active next summer by which he can be signed for a fee of close to €90 million.

While the figure indeed represents a significant investment, the Merengues may well consider it money well spent given the player’s defensive quality, solid distribution, and ability to lead under pressure.

So far this season, Lukeba has made nine Bundesliga starts for RB Leipzig, overseeing four clean sheets averaging close to ten defensive actions per game, and completing 88% of his passes.

There are other names on the agenda, including the experienced Aymeric Laporte, but it appears that Calafat would be leaning towards a younger player like Lukeba.