Arsenal have made a bid of around €15 million for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to David Ornstein. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay of Vincent Kompany’s squad in the Jupiler Pro League over the past two seasons.
Arsenal Bid for Anderlecht Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga
Who is Albert Sambi Lokonga?
Lokonga is a promising 21-year-old midfielder, playing for Anderlecht in the top flight of Belgium football. He primarily plays as a central midfielder, although has the ability to play as a defensive midfielder too. He has become a vital part of the Anderlecht side, led by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany.
Despite being just 21-years-of-age, Lokonga has captained Anderlecht since the turn of the year. The club captain, goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge, has been out with a back injury during this period. Still, the fact that Kompany has chosen Lokonga as captain in his absence, shows not only the trust that Kompany has in his star talent, but also demonstrates his natural leadership qualities.
Lokonga has spent the entirety of his short career with his boyhood club Anderlecht. He signed a professional contract in November 2017, just one month after he turned 18. He made his debut for the club shortly afterwards, on December 22, in a 1-0 win over Eupen.
Anderlecht are said to be willing to sell Lokonga to Arsenal to offset some of their financial troubles. They recorded losses of around €60 million for the past two years. However, they are still holding out for Arsenal to match their €20 million valuation of Lokonga.
Lokonga in, Several Out at the Emirates
Lokonga would mark another incoming central midfielder at Arsenal. It is a position they have historically struggled with, and it seems the Gunners are constantly in the market for a midfielder. The signing makes sense though, as there are several potential sales of central midfield players to come.
Granit Xhaka is heavily linked with a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma, although the two clubs remain distant in their valuation of Xhaka. Ornstein’s report also claims that Mateo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are available for transfer. Doubts remain over Joe Willock’s future, who impressed on loan at Newcastle in the second half of last season. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid following two seasons at The Emirates.
Albert Sambi Lokonga would fit the mould of the young, exciting talents that are forming a new-look Arsenal under Arteta. Should he sign, he would join the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli as promising young talents that could be vital to Arsenal for years to come.
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