Exclusive: Arsenal midfielder agrees terms with new club, talks continue over clause issue
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has reached a verbal agreement with Sevilla over a possible transfer this summer, with talks between the club and the club continuing, CaughtOffside you understand.
Lokonga spent last season on loan at Luton Town and impressed there, attracting interest from a number of clubs in England and Italy this summer, although things are now looking up with La Liga side Sevilla.
Sources familiar with the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Lokonga has verbally agreed personal terms with Sevilla, with the Belgian likely to join on an initial loan as the two clubs discuss the terms of a permanent buyout clause.
It is understood Arsenal would prefer a mandatory buyout clause, while Sevilla’s preferred option is a buyout option, with talks ongoing to try and reach an agreement.
Savings Transfer: Arsenal will once again send the midfielder out on loan
Some Arsenal fans may be disappointed to see Lokonga go out on loan as he showed real potential on loan at Luton last season – enough to qualify him for a first-team role in Mikel Arteta’s side next season.
However, whether it’s because Arsenal don’t have a place for him, or because the player himself is looking for guaranteed playing time, it looks like he’s on his way again.
CaughtOffside understands that Lokonga has been interested in Premier League teams Everton and Nottingham Forest, while Juventus and Lazio have also been among his players.
If the move to Sevilla goes through, it will be interesting to see how Lokonga does, and if it turns out to be another opportunity for the 24-year-old to catch Arteta’s eye and do his best to return to fight for his place. Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been linked with potential midfielders to sign this summer which could reduce Lokonga’s playing time even further.
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