Sky Germany reports that RB Leipzig are interested in Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap as they look for additional central defenders.
Out of Leipzig’s current group of centre-backs, Abdou Diallo is to leave the club as his loan from PSG expires. The future of Lukas Klostermann is currently uncertain. While Leipzig also believes that it is possible a three-digit million sum for Joško Gvardiol could well arrive in the summer.
Due to Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, Bella-Kotchap will cost around €25m. A sale of any of Leipzig’s top players could easily fund a move for the 21-year-old as Christopher Nkunku is set to move to Chelsea and the futures of Dani Olmo and Dominik Szobsozlai currently remain in doubt.
Another option for Leipzig is Wolfsburg Micky van de Ven. The 22-year-old recently signed a contract extension at the club until 2027.
Eintracht Frankfurt had previously shown interest in Bella-Kotchap as they too look for additional central defenders, but the price tag makes a move difficult for them.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
