Arsenal 24yo could join Sevilla permanently despite loan reports | OneFootball

New sources have confirmed Sevilla’s interest in Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga, and the transfer could even end up as a permanent one.

Albert Sambi Lokonga trains with Arsenal (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

Simon Collings of The Standard is the latest journalist to confirm that Albert Sambi Lokonga is a serious target for Sevilla this summer.

Collings writes that Sevilla are keen on a move, with the possibility of either a loan or a permanent deal on the table.

The player himself is reportedly hungry for a new challenge away from Arsenal.

Albert Sambi Lokonga with Luton Town (Photo via Luton Town on Twitter)

Chris Wheatley of LondonWorld reported last week that Arsenal and Sevilla were in advanced talks over a transfer, though at the time the suggestion was that it would be a loan.

The issue holding up a deal was suggested to be the purchase clause.

Seville-based journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez reported that Sevilla were pushing for an option to buy, but Arsenal wanting an obligation to buy set at €12m (£10.2m).

Arsenal already received a fee of £500,000 for Lokonga’s loan to Luton Town last season and may also have received a fee for his loan to Crystal Palace.

A £10m sale, whether immediate or via a loan and a purchase clause, would bring them close to recouping the £15m they invested in him in the first place.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Luton Town celebrates victory at full-time following the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Luton Town at Bramall Lane on December 26, 2023. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Lokonga playing 19 times for Luton Town last season amid a couple of injury setbacks.

Despite those spells out through injury, Lokonga was back in the team by the end of the campaign, making five consecutive starts in the final month and putting in some strong performances.

After the season’s conclusion, the midfielder spoke to the media about his intentions to leave Arsenal.

“I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end,” Lokonga said.

“I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave. I have a one-year contract plus a one-year option, so now it’s up to the club and my agent to find the best solution.”