One Arsenal outcast could now be set to make a surprise move to La Liga in this summer transfer window.
Arsenal have a number of players to sell this summer.
In order to make room for the additions he will want to make to his squad, Mikel Arteta will have to offload several players ahead of the new season.
Some of these may be first team stars who played their fair share of minutes for the club last season. For instance, Arsenal are ready to cash in on Thomas Partey. Eddie Nketiah is also ready to depart the Emirates Stadium.
There are also a number of players who spent last season away from North London on loan who the Gunners will now want moved on on a permanent basis. Nuno Tavares’ has no future in Arteta’s plans, for example.
Kieran Tierney is another that Arsenal would be keen to part with, but his latest injury picked up at Euro 2024 could see him forced to remain on the club’s books.
However, there is one Arsenal player who impressed on loan last season who is now generating interest from a top club.
Sevilla keen to sign Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga
Albert Sambi Lokonga spent last season with Luton Town. Whilst he could not save The Hatters from relegation, he produced a number of impressive displays for Rob Edwards’ side.
Despite his encouraging Kenilworth Road form though, Arsenal have told Lokonga to seek pastures new this summer.
Now, according to Vamos Mi Sevilla, La Liga side Sevilla have now entered into talks with the Belgian midfielder.
At this stage, it seems that the Spanish side would prefer to secure the 24-year-old’s services on another loan basis. However, Arsenal may well push for a permanent sale instead, or at least insist that a purchase clause be included in any loan agreement.
In any case, it is testament to how well Lokonga performed last season that he could now secure himself a switch to the club that won the 2023 Europa League and are a respected force in Spanish football.
Should Arsenal keep Lokonga around?
Despite this news of Sevilla’s interest, there is a case to be made for Arteta to retain Lokonga’s services.
The player has properly adapted to the Premier League now, will be full of confidence, and the Gunners are not blessed with abundant depth in the middle of the park. Jorginho is coming towards the end of his career, Mohamed Elneny has already left the club, and Partey could be set to follow suit.
Whilst he likely wouldn’t be a regular starter for Arsenal next season, Lokonga could still provide a valuable cover option. Should an injury crisis strike next season, Arteta may come to regret letting Lokonga go if he is indeed moved on this summer.