Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is reportedly in talks with AC Milan over a possible move in the ongoing transfer window.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Albert Sambi Lokonga could leave Arsenal this summer with reigning Serie A champions AC Milan interested in acquiring his services.
Lokonga signed for Arsenal only last year, arriving from RSC Anderlecht, penning a five-year contract until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old made a decent start to life in north London and played regularly during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign. However, his game-time took a major hit in the latter stages of the season, as he was used sparingly by manager Mikel Arteta.
In the end, Lokonga finished his debut campaign at Arsenal with only 24 appearances across all competitions, of which only half were starts in the Premier League. Heading into the new season, the Gunners have fortified their midfield department with the signing of Fabio Vieira and are pushing to add another player in the centre of the park.
Lokonga would then drop further down the pecking order of things at the Emirates, and as per the report, Arsenal are open to the possibility of selling the Belgian prospect this summer should an acceptable offer come along. Alerted by the development, AC Milan have shown an interest in securing the 22-year-old midfielder’s services before the transfer window closes.
Following their Serie A triumph last season, the Rossoneri are keen on strengthening all areas of the pitch to mount a successful defence of their title and go far in the UEFA Champions League. The departure of Franck Kessie has left a gaping hole in the middle of the park at San Siro, while Stefano Pioli is also open to the prospect of cutting short Tiemoue Bakayoko’s loan stint at the club.
Hence, even though Milan have brought in Tommaso Pobega, another midfield addition would be welcome, leading to their interest in Lokonga. As per the report, the Rossoneri have already established contact and initiated talks with the 22-year-old Arsenal star’s representatives to explore the possibility of a transfer to San Siro.
Lokonga still has four years left on his contract with Arsenal. So, even though the Gunners are reportedly open to parting ways with the youngster, they would likely demand a significant fee for his services, having paid an initial £15 million to sign him from Anderlecht last summer. Only time will tell whether AC Milan have the financial wherewithal to pull off a deal.
