Transfer News: Arsenal close in on Albert Sambi Lokonga
By Varun Aithal
After the calm, Arsenal are taking the summer transfer window by storm. Following the signing of Nuno Tavares from SL Benfica, they have now agreed to a deal in principle for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
According to news outlets, the Gunners have secured the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga for an initial fee of €17.5 million from RSC Anderlecht. Sambi is a midfielder who players for Anderlecht. He also featured for the Belgium U-21s recently.
"Arsenal have secured a deal to sign the left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica for an initial €8m (£6.9m) and are close to buying the Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. More from ArsenalArsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injuryArsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkidArsenal predicted lineup vs PSV: Mikel Arteta to drop “Henry-esque” wingerAlan Shearer blasts “slow” Arsenal player – Should Mikel Arteta drop him?“Beast” Arsenal fans have noticed the GREAT form of fringe midfielderThe club will finalise the purchase of Lokonga for an initial €17.5m provided agreement is reached over what percentage of any future sale would be due to Anderlecht. Lokonga and Tavares are 21 and have played for the Belgium and Portugal Under-21s respectively(Via: Guardian)"
The deal between Arsenal and Anderlecht for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The Belgium outfit is interested in adding a sell-on clause in the deal with Arsenal. Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, reported on the future sale percentage.
Anderlecht are looking for 15% whereas Arsenal are looking for a bargain at 5%. The English Premier League outfit will offer €4.5 million as potential add-ons for the young central midfielder.
Arsenal are set to complete both Nuno Tavares and Lokonga signings in the next few days - confirmed and here we go soon ⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2021
Lokonga will join for €17.5m + add ons, now final details on future sale %.
Paperworks to be signed soon with Benfica for Tavares [€8m + add ons]. https://t.co/lX6c9RzH5j
Rising through the ranks of Anderlecht’s youth squad, Lokonga was called up for the senior squad in the 2017/18 season. Since then, the player has entertained the fanbase and caught the attention of powerhouses across Europe.
In 2020/21, he had five G/A in 27 appearances for the Belgian top-tier outfit. For the Belgium U-21 side, he has two goals from the seven games he’s featured in.
After his consistent performances, Belgium selected Lokonga for the national senior squad but he did not get the chance to play for his country.
Arsenal finished below West Ham United and neighboring rivals Tottenham in the 2020/21 season. It was a huge letdown for both the fans and the manager.
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Signing talented players like Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga can help the Gunners build a team for the long run. But will the Arsenal board trust Mikel Arteta for one more season?