The decision by Albert Sambi Lokonga to choose Sevilla over other potentially more lucrative offers has reportedly upset Arsenal’s management.
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga’s decision to join Sevilla has reportedly caused some consternation within the Gunners’ management team. Despite efforts by Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar to handle the club’s transfers diligently, Lokonga’s move to Sevilla has added to the busy activity at the Emirates Stadium.
In recent weeks, Arsenal has been actively reshaping its squad. Mika Biereth completed a permanent transfer to Sturm Graz, while Nuno Tavares is poised to join Lazio on an initial loan deal that will become permanent in 2025. Lokonga, who joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in the summer of 2021, showed promise initially but experienced a downturn in form in 2022. This led to a loan stint at Crystal Palace in January 2023 and a subsequent full season at Luton Town.
Despite showing some promising performances, Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future at Arsenal appears uncertain. Journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Lokonga will be joining Sevilla on loan with an option for the Spanish club to make the move permanent for approximately £10 million next year. This deal represents a notable financial loss for Arsenal, considering they paid nearly double that amount to acquire him in 2021.
Ornstein further disclosed that Fiorentina had expressed interest in Lokonga and were ready to propose a more favorable offer compared to Sevilla. However, Lokonga’s preference for Sevilla led Arsenal to accept the less financially rewarding deal.
David Ornstein tweeted that Arsenal has negotiated a 25% sell-on clause in the deal with Sevilla for Albert Sambi Lokonga. This clause would apply if Lokonga’s loan move to Sevilla becomes permanent (via a €12 million option) and if Sevilla later sells the midfielder.
Sevilla’s approach in securing Lokonga includes an option rather than an obligation to buy him permanently in the summer of 2025 for £10 million. This gives Sevilla flexibility: they can acquire Lokonga if he performs well or return him to Arsenal if he doesn’t meet expectations.
For Arsenal, this situation presents challenges, as they could potentially face a significant financial loss on Lokonga if Sevilla decides not to buy him after the loan period, especially as his contract would have only one year left by summer 2025.
Navigating these complexities will be crucial for Arsenal as they continue their activities in the ongoing transfer window, aiming to mitigate potential financial risks and avoid further setbacks.
