Arsenal have made an offer of some 15 million euros for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to David Ornstein. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay of Vincent Kompany’s team in the Jupiler Pro League for the past two seasons.
Arsenal bets on Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga
Who is Albert Sambi Lokonga?
Lokonga is a promising 21-year-old midfielder who plays for Anderlecht in the top flight of Belgian football. He mainly plays as a central midfielder, although he also has the ability to play as a defensive midfielder. He has become a vital part of the Anderlecht squad, led by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany.
Despite being only 21 years old, Lokonga has been Anderlecht captain since the turn of the year. The club’s captain, goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge, has been out with a back injury during this period. Still, the fact that Kompany chose Lokonga as captain in his absence demonstrates not only the confidence Kompany has in his star talent, but also demonstrates his natural leadership qualities.
Lokonga has spent the entirety of his short career at his childhood club Anderlecht. He signed a professional contract in November 2017, just a month after his 18th birthday. He made his debut for the club shortly thereafter, on December 22, in a 1-0 win over Eupen.
Anderlecht is said to be willing to sell Lokonga to Arsenal to offset some of their financial problems. They posted losses of around € 60 million over the past two years. However, they are still waiting for Arsenal to match their € 20 million valuation of Lokonga.
Lokonga in, several out in the Emirates
Lokonga would mark another incoming central midfielder at Arsenal. It’s a position they’ve historically struggled with, and it seems the Gunners are constantly in the market for a midfielder. However, the transfer makes sense as there are several potential central midfielder sales to come.
Granit Xhaka is strongly linked to a move to José Mourinho’s Roma, although the two clubs remain distant in their assessment of Xhaka. Ornstein’s report also claims that Mateo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are available for transfer. Doubts remain about the future of Joe Willock, who impressed on loan at Newcastle in the second half of last season. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid after two seasons in the Emirates.
Albert Sambi Lokonga would fit the mold of the young and exciting talents who are forming a new Arsenal with Arteta. If he signs, he would join players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli as promising young talents who could be vital to Arsenal for years to come.
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