Sevilla reach Arsenal 24yo loan agreement but deal not done yet | OneFootball

Sevilla have reached an agreement with Albert Sambi Lokonga for a season-long loan, though they haven’t yet finalised the details with Arsenal, according to a report.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga with Luton Town celebrating 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)

Local journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez reports that Sevilla and Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga have an agreement for a loan move.

Sevilla have agreed to pay Lokonga’s reported €3m salary in full, and they’re now just negotiating the terms of the loan with Arsenal.

Arsenal want the loan to include a mandatory purchase option, whilst Sevilla are hoping for an option to buy, so there’s still some work to be done on that front.

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

El Correo de Andalucia reports (via Diario de Sevilla) that Lokonga is indeed of interest to Sevilla and seen as a genuine option for next season. They add that Arsenal wouldn’t have any problems with sanctioning an initial loan, and talks are progressing positively.

Lokonga has previously confirmed his intention to leave Arsenal, following internal conversations with the club.

“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.”

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

The midfielder spent the season out on loan with Luton Town, playing 19 times amid a couple of injury setbacks.

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

Previous reports suggested Arsenal were open to both loan and permanent offers for Lokonga this summer, based on the fee and the player’s own preference.