Arsenal Transfer News: Lukeba Deal in Motion as Saka Faces Starting Spot Pressure
Arsenal's Premier League title pursuit resumes this Saturday with a crucial home fixture against Everton. The Gunners, who remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple, are coming off a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, salvaged by a last-minute Kai Havertz penalty against his former club.
Manager Mikel Arteta has demanded improved execution from his squad ahead of the Everton clash and the second leg in Europe. However, facing an Everton side chasing European football under David Moyes promises a stern test. Here is the latest round of Arsenal news and analysis ahead of the weekend's action.
Pundit Calls for Saka to Be Dropped for Madueke
Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin has urged Mikel Arteta to make a bold decision by dropping Bukayo Saka from the starting lineup. Saka's recent underwhelming form continued in the draw against Bayer Leverkusen, where he struggled to make a significant impact before being substituted for Noni Madueke after sixty minutes.
Madueke delivered a vibrant performance off the bench, winning the late penalty that Havertz converted to secure the draw. Austin, speaking on Sky Sports, argued that Madueke's contributions warrant a starting role, despite the challenge of displacing Arsenal's established star.
"When he's come on, the performances he's been putting in warrant starting," Austin stated. "But the issue he has is the fact Arsenal's Starboy plays in the same position as him. It's going to take the manager to make a brave decision to make that change. If I'm Noni Madueke, I'm asking that question, 'What more can I do?' Because when he came on, he changed the game in Arsenal's favour. He got on the ball, ran at defenders and made things happen. In the time Saka was on the pitch, he didn't."
Arsenal 'Working On' Deal for Defender Castello Lukeba
In transfer developments, Arsenal have reportedly intensified their interest in RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. The Gunners are said to have scouted the French centre-back in recent Bundesliga matches and have been sufficiently impressed to initiate discussions over a potential summer move.
According to reports from French publication L'Equipe, Arsenal are actively 'working' on securing Lukeba's signature and have opened talks, though it remains unclear whether these negotiations involve Leipzig directly or the player's representatives.
The 23-year-old defender is expected to depart Germany this summer, with a preference for a move to the Premier League or La Liga. While earlier reports suggested a release clause of approximately £78 million, it is now indicated that Leipzig would accept a fee in the region of £50 million to £60 million.
Lukeba, who joined Leipzig from Lyon in 2023, would provide defensive depth, though he would likely face competition from established starters William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for a central defensive role initially. His potential acquisition underscores Arsenal's ambition to strengthen their squad as they compete on multiple fronts.
