Arsenal and Sevilla have sealed an agreement over a season-long loan deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga, with one detail holding it back.
According to a report by Spanish outlet COPE, Albert Sambi Lokonga is on the verge of joining La Liga club Sevilla in the summer transfer window. Los Nervionenses and Arsenal have an agreement in principle over a season-long loan deal, with the Andalusian outfit ready to bear his €3 million-a-year wages. However, one detail remains for the move to see the light of day.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and his Arsenal travails
Albert Sambi Lokonga has seen his progress come to a grinding halt since joining Arsenal from Anderlecht in July 2021. The Belgian international struggled for game time in the first 18 months of his spell with the North London club before they loaned him to Crystal Palace in January 2023.
Another temporary departure from Arsenal followed last summer, with Luton Town completing a season-long loan deal on the Deadline Day. Lokonga was in and out of the starting lineup at Luton Town, managing less than 1,500 minutes of game time across 19 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with one goal and three assists.
The 24-year-old has returned to Arsenal after the end of his loan spell with Luton Town but has no future at the Emirates. Widespread reports have claimed that the Gunners are ready to part ways with him in the summer transfer window. However, another loan move might be on the cards, with Sevilla keen on signing Lokonga.
La Liga move on the horizon?
Sevilla’s interest in Albert Sambi Lokonga is understandable. The Andalusian giants have been in talks to sign the Belgian midfielder from Arsenal on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window. They are keen on signing a midfielder ahead of the 2024/25 season and view Lokonga as a viable target.
Arsenal’s stance over selling Lokonga has softened, and they are open to another loan departure in the summer transfer window. The latest update has revealed that Arsenal and Sevilla have an agreement in principle over a season-long loan deal, with Los Nervionenses ready to bear his €3 million-a-year wages. However, one detail remains for the move to materialise.
Arsenal will look to include a mandatory purchase clause in the loan deal for Lokonga. However, the Andalusian giants only want to insert a buy option. So, the move will see the light of day if one of the two parties can compromise on their wish.
