Arsenal and Sevilla are currently engaged in negotiations concerning the obligation-to-buy clause in a loan deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The discussions primarily revolve around the amount involved in this clause. The Belgian midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Anderlecht, appears to have reached a personal agreement with the Spanish club, paving the way for a potential permanent move.
Arsenal are in a position where they need to make sales this summer to bolster their transfer budget.
Lokonga, who has found it challenging to secure a regular starting position under Mikel Arteta, stands out as an obvious candidate for departure, after a reasonably successful loan at Luton last season.
The Gunners are looking to streamline their squad while simultaneously generating funds for new acquisitions to strengthen their campaign in the upcoming season.
The expectation surrounding Lokonga’s potential transfer is that the sale clause will be approximately £10million. This figure reflects the market’s valuation of the 24-year-old, who has shown promise but has not yet fully established himself in the Premier League.
A move to Sevilla, a club with a strong reputation for developing talent, could offer Lokonga the opportunity to revitalise his career and gain more consistent playing time.
Arsenal’s strategy this summer is clear: make strategic sales to facilitate further spending. The funds from Lokonga’s sale would contribute to this effort, allowing the club to pursue other targets. The ongoing negotiations with Sevilla are a critical part of this strategy, and both clubs are keen to finalise the details to ensure a smooth transition.
As they have with other sales of young players, the club may also look to include a sell on clause in any deal, should Lokonga develop at Sevilla as originally anticipated.
As the negotiations progress, Arsenal fans will be watching closely. The sale of Lokonga could be a significant step in the club’s broader plans for the summer transfer window.