Leipzig join Fulham and Liverpool in the race to sign Rennes centre-back Arthur Theate | OneFootball

Rennes centre-back Arthur Theate (23) is being courted by several European outfits. Yesterday, L’Équipe broke the news that Premier League sides Fulham and Liverpool were interested in the versatile left-footed Belgium international.

Theate joined the Bretons only last year from Bologna in a €20m deal. He is tied to Bruno Genesio’s side with a contract set to expire in 2026. The defender made 42 appearances, scoring a remarkable five goals and registering one assist. Now, L’Équipe reports that Bundesliga side Leipzig is also keeping tabs on the left-footed centre-back.

The French publication understands that the Red Bull-owned club and the player’s entourage have entered into talks. Leipzig are in the market for a versatile left-footed centre-back following Joško Gvardiol’s €90m sale to Manchester City and El Chadaille Bitshiabu’s knee ligament injury. Leipzig are yet to submit a bid to their Rennes counterparts. Leipzig head coach Marco Rose said in a pre-game press conference that he has no intention to field newly-signed defender Castello Lukeba as the left-sided centre-back. Leipzig will kick off their Bundesliga season away at Leverkusen this Saturday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval