Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Belgian’s move will be confirmed by the club after he has completed a period of quarantine upon his arrival into the UK.
It represents the end of two long-awaited deals for the Gunners after they announced the signing of left-back Nuno Tavares earlier today.
Albert Sambi Lokonga Completes Arsenal Move
Paperworks completed between Arsenal and Anderlecht for Lokonga. Contract until June 2026, €17.5m as opening fee + add ons. Official after quarantine period for Belgian midfielder. 🇧🇪 #AFC
Here we go confirmed – Lokonga turned down two proposals from Italy to join Arsenal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2021
Details of the Move
Romano reports that Arsenal have paid around €17.5 million to Belgian side Anderlecht as the initial fee for Lokonga. However, there are add-ons involved in the fee too. Romano previously stated that Arsenal could end up paying around €21 million in total.
Lokonga has signed a five-year deal with the club, keeping him in North London until the summer of 2026.
The Belgian is also said to have turned down two moves to Italy in favour of a move to Arsenal. Though these sides have not been named, it shows that the player is committed to the move.
Goal’s Charles Watts reported earlier this week that while the deal was expected to go through without any problems, Lokonga was unlikely to join up with the squad for the pre-season training camp in Scotland due to his isolation period.
Reports in Belgium had previously suggested that Lokonga could fly straight to Scotland from Belgium, where the medical took place, so that he could be part of the group.
However, Watts added in his article that Arsenal were hopeful he could instead be ready for the club’s trip to the USA to take part in the Florida Cup.
Main Photo
