Arsenal’s have reportedly launched a €15 million bid to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, as per David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The 21-year-old has made 27 league appearances for the club last season. He had a stellar campaign and his standout performances earned him a call-up to the Belgian national side. The youngster is yet to make an appearance for the senior team but has been capped 7 times by the Belgium Under-21s side.
Lokonga is considered one of the brightest prospects in Belgium and the Gunners have been urged by Thierry Henry to sign him, who is currently a part of Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff for Euro 2020.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, after making an initial enquiry a few weeks ago the north London club did make an initial bid of €15million, which is well short of the Belgium club’s expectations. The report also states that the club will listen to further offers and would let go of the midfielder if their €20m valuation is met.
Martin Odegaard is reportedly the Gunners No.1 target this summer. The Norway playmaker has returned to Real Madrid after spending the second half of last season at the Emirates. In the short loan spell, he made 20 appearances and has impressed Mikel Arteta.
However, Athletic claim that the Emirates club’s pursuit for Odegaard has been dealt with a blow due to the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new Los Blancos manager. The Norway captain is set to hold talks on his future, but as of now, the former Everton boss considers the youngster an integral part of the team for next season.
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The Gunners are expected to undergo a major squad overhaul this summer. Midfield is a priority for Mikel Arteta as Granit Xhaka is expected to leave this summer and Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid following the end of his loan spell.
Lokonga is a young midfielder with huge potential who is a feasible replacement to Odegaard. The 6ft midfielder is athletic and an excellent ball carrier, something that Arsenal have lacked for several seasons now. Apart from his dribbling abilities, the 21-year-old can also play in the base of the midfield making him a potential partner for Thomas Partey in the midfield pivot.
Arsenal should make rapid decisions as the Anderlecht star has attracted admiring glances from other clubs around Europe. A bidding war can only escalate the player’s price. The Gunners should look to secure the youngster’s signature swiftly before another club swoops him under their noses.
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