Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Anderlecht youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga, as per a report in Het Nieuwsblad.
The 21-year-old has played a key role for the Belgian club, helping his club qualify for the inaugural Europa Conference League after they managed a fourth-place finish in the Pro League.
Despite having a stellar season for Vincent Kompany’s side, Lokonga failed to make it to Belgium’s 26-man squad for the Euro 2020. However, he was named among the reserves for the championship.
According to the report in Het Nieuwsblad, the north London club have offered £14 million plus £3 million in bonuses for the youngster. Sevilla and Atalanta are also showing interest in the under-21 international.
Nevertheless, the report further claims that Lokonga has already agreed on personal terms with the Emirates club and the midfielder has set his sight on a move to London. Journalist Sven Claes has backed this claim by stating that the Gunners agreed personal terms with the player almost a week back.
🟣⚪️ ➡️ 🔴⚪️ Arsenal have made a 14 + 3 million (bonuses) offer for Sambi Lokonga (21, 🇧🇪) from Anderlecht. Negotiations still ongoing. Personal terms have been agreed since a week ago. #ArsenalFC pic.twitter.com/GeQtjLuXNE
— Sven Claes (@svenclaes) June 20, 2021
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The north Londoners are looking to sign a long-term replacement for departing Granit Xhaka who is closing in on a deal to AS Roma and Lokonga could become a perfect replacement for the Swiss midfielder.
The Gunners have recently been linked with multiple young players, following the disastrous results of signing aged players like Willian, Cedric Soares and Sokratis Papastathopoulos. This policy could turn out to be successful in the long term.
However, the north Londoners will have to be patient as young players will take time to settle and the most important part of developing players is to find the right balance between youth and experience.
Currently, the Gunners lack leaders in the squad following the departure of David Luiz and soon to be transferred Xhaka and without leaders, the youngsters might face stumbling blocks in their development. So, along with young talents, Edu and Mikel Arteta should bring one or two experienced players with leadership qualities to take the club forward.
Lokonga is a world-class talent who will definitely add versatility to the Emirates club’s midfield. Following back-to-back eighth-placed finishes, Arsenal fans will be hoping to see progression next season and finishing top four will be an absolute necessity for Arteta’s side.
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