Sevilla in advanced talks for Arsenal signing but Gunners want £10m

Sevilla are in advanced talks with Arsenal over Albert Sambi Lokonga but the Gunners want a £10m obligation to buy in the loan deal.

Following reports from Spain on Thursday that Sevilla and Arsenal are negotiating a loan move for Albert Sambi Lokonga, Chris Wheatley of LondonWorld has confirmed that the two clubs are in advanced talks over the deal.

Wheatley reports that discussions are still ongoing over whether the loan will include an option or obligation to buy, but the loan has been agreed in principle.

Seville-based journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez initially broken the news of the talks for a loan, and he has since provided further updates on the situation.

The journalist claims the primary issue with the transfer is with the purchase clause, with Sevilla pushing for an option to buy, but Arsenal wanting an obligation to buy set at €12m (£10.2m).

Arsenal already received a fee of £500,000 for Lokonga’s loan to Luton Town last season and may also have received a fee for his loan to Crystal Palace, so a £10m sale would bring them close to recouping the £15m they invested in him in the first place.

Considering Lokonga’s recent injury record and Arsenal’s desire to invest in a new midfielder, that would be an acceptable compromise.

Lokonga playing 19 times for Luton Town last season amid a couple of injury setbacks.

Despite those spells out through injury, Lokonga was back in the team by the end of the campaign, making five consecutive starts in the final month and putting in some strong performances.

After the season’s conclusion, the midfielder spoke to the media about his intentions to leave Arsenal.

“I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end,” Lokonga said.

“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.”