Arsenal Sevilla talks over 24yo midfielder deal accelerate

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is edging closer to a move to Sevilla, with negotiations between the two clubs accelerating in recent days.

The deal is expected to be an initial loan with a purchase option for the Spanish club.

Various sources, including Simon Collings of The Standard, have confirmed Sevilla’s keen interest in Lokonga. While reports suggest a loan deal, the possibility of a permanent transfer is now also said to be on the table.

Initial negotiations reportedly stalled over Arsenal’s insistence on a mandatory purchase clause, but the clubs appear to have found common ground.

Lokonga, 24, has reportedly given his approval for the move and is eager to secure more playing time after a loan spell at Luton Town last season.

According to AS, Lokonga is a priority target for Sevilla’s sporting director, Victor Orta. Sevilla, having lost key midfielders and with doubts over others, see Lokonga as a valuable addition to their squad.

Lokonga’s arrival would, therefore, provide much-needed depth and quality to the Sevilla squad ahead of the new season.

The player himself is eager for a fresh challenge after struggling to secure a regular starting spot at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Financial details of the deal are yet to be confirmed, but previous reports suggest a potential fee of around €12 million (£10.2 million) if the purchase option is exercised. Arsenal would likely recoup a significant portion of their initial €17.5m investment in Lokonga, having already received a fee for his loan to Luton Town.

Lokonga made 19 appearances for Luton Town last season, despite a couple of injury setbacks. He finished the campaign strongly, making five consecutive starts in the final month and impressing with his performances.

Following the season’s conclusion, Lokonga expressed his desire to leave Arsenal, stating, “I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end. I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave. I have a one-year contract plus a one-year option, so now it’s up to the club and my agent to find the best solution.”

With talks between Arsenal and Sevilla progressing quickly, Lokonga’s move to Spain seems increasingly likely. The transfer would represent a new chapter in the young midfielder’s career, offering him the opportunity to establish himself at a club with ambitions of competing at the highest level.