- 15 hours ago
Arsenal make transfer breakthrough in midfielder deal
Arsenal are close to completing a major transfer outgoing, with Albert Sambi Lokonga set to depart the Emirates this summer in a deal that will make room in the squad for a new signing.
Lokonga is one of the few signings of the Edu and Mikel Arteta era that has not worked out, with the 2022 signing shipped out on loan last season to Luton Town.
The midfielder impressed with the Hatters across 19 appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and three assists, yet he is still set to depart the Emirates Stadium for a huge loss compared to the €17.5 million the Gunners paid for him.
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Lokonga’s likely destination is Sevilla, with local journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez reporting that Los Rojiblancos have already agreed a deal with the midfielder.
Taking to Twitter, he writes: “There is an agreement between Sevilla and Lokonga over the transfer. Sevilla will pay his wages, which are €3m gross per year.
“They are negotiating the transfer clauses since Arsenal" target="_blank">Arsenal wants it to be a loan with a mandatory purchase while Sevilla want it to be an optional clause.”
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How much can Arsenal sell Lokonga for?
Arsenal want to reinforce the heart of their midfield over the course of the summer, but it appears that while they may get Lokonga’s wages off their books, they will have to wait to receive any money for him.
The Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of the 24-year-old is €5.3m, down from a high of €17m shortly after he joined the Gunners.
Lokonga only has two years left on his Arsenal contract, meaning that there is not yet any sense of urgency to push through a deal, but it appears that the Belgium international has no place in Arteta’s plans going forward.