Albert Sambi Lokonga, an Arsenal midfielder, has reached a verbal understanding with Sevilla on a prospective summer transfer, with club-to-club talks still ongoing.
Lokonga played last season on loan at Luton Town and shone there, drawing plenty of attention from a number of clubs in England and Italy this summer, though things are currently moving with La Liga side. Sevilla.
Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed that Lokonga has verbally agreed personal terms with Sevilla, with the Belgian likely to join on an initial loan as the two clubs discuss the terms of a clause for a permanent purchase.
It is understood that Arsenal would like a mandatory buy clause, while Sevilla’s preference is for a buy option, with discussions ongoing to try to reach an agreement.
Some Arsenal fans may well be slightly disappointed to see Lokonga going out on loan as he showed real potential on loan at Luton last season – enough to surely be worth a role as a squad player in Mikel Arteta’s side next term.
Still, whether it’s because Arsenal don’t have a place for him, or because the player himself wants more guaranteed playing time, it seems he’s set to be on the move again.
Lokonga also had interest from Premier League clubs Everton and Nottingham Forest, while Juventus and Lazio were also among his suitors.
whether Lokonga’s move to Sevilla goes through, it will be intriguing to see how he plays, and whether it becomes another opportunity for the 24-year-old to grab Arteta’s eye and do his best to reclaim his spot at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal has been linked with prospective midfield acquisitions this summer, which could reduce Lokonga’s playing time even further.