DONE DEAL✅✅: “Only Mikel Arteta’s Approval Remains as Sevilla Agree to a £3M Loan Deal for 24-Year-Old Arsenal Midfielder.”
La Liga side Sevilla have now agreed personal terms with an Arsenal midfielder and are looking to finalize the deal with the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta might sanction the departure of several first-team Arsenal players this summer as part of a minor squad overhaul.
Last season, Arteta relied on a trusted first eleven, leaving many players on the sidelines without much responsibility or playing time.
Aaron Ramsdale is a prime example of this situation. With David Raya’s arrival, Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal this summer in search of a starting role elsewhere.
Incidentally, Arsenal are reported to have found Ramsdale’s replacement.
However, it’s not just the bench players who might be deemed surplus to requirements moving forward; those out on loan are also included.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, signed by Arteta for £17m in 2021, spent last season on loan at Luton Town, enjoying notable success when fit.
Now back at Arsenal, it seems the 24-year-old is set for another loan move after agreeing personal terms with Sevilla.
According to Spanish outlet Penalty, Lokonga has agreed terms with Sevilla for the 2024/25 season.
Sevilla are willing to pay a €3m fee for the loan, but the current sticking point is Arsenal’s demand to include a mandatory purchase option, which Sevilla prefers to be optional.
Journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez, recently credited by Fabrizio Romano, shared this information on X.
He stated: “Agreement between Sevilla and Lokonga. The Seville club and Belgian player Albert Sambi Lokonga have an agreement for the transfer.
“Sevilla FC will pay €3m for the loan.
“Now they are negotiating with Arsenal, who wants to include a mandatory purchase clause, while Sevilla prefers it to be optional.”
If Arsenal and Sevilla reach a full agreement, fan opinion may be divided.
Some fans will be pleased that Lokonga will get regular playing time again, potentially securing a fee to cover the money paid in 2021.
Others may feel that Arsenal, looking for a new midfielder this summer, already have a 24-year-old showing great promise. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also reportedly in contact with Barcelona to sign a defender currently playing at Euro 2024.