Arsenal agrees departure for midfielder Liverpool 'considered' amid Jürgen Klopp recommendation

Liverpool has a new-look recruitment department. FSG has reappointed Michael Edwards, naming him CEO of Football, and he has set about filling a number of related positions.

Another returning figure, Julian Ward will become technical director. Completing the list of former staff tempted back into the fold, David Woodfine will become assistant sporting director, working under new hire Richard Hughes.

As such, even the recommendations of new manager Arne Slot will only be one factor in dictating transfer policy. Having enjoyed ever-increasing influence across nearly nine years at the helm, Jürgen Klopp's say in recruitment is obviously at an end. However, Liverpool could yet revisit the praise he heaped on one Arsenal player this season, with the midfielder now set to be available on the market.

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Albert Sambi Lokonga spent the campaign on loan at Luton Town. And Klopp expressed disbelief when he learned Arsenal had seen fit to allow him to leave, even on a temporary basis:

“Lokonga, when you see him playing and you think: ‘Oh, he’s an Arsenal player and they loaned him?’ Interesting,” said Klopp in February, ahead of Liverpool's game with Luton. The Reds would come from behind to run out 4-1 winners in that game.

And the Liverpool connection to Sambi Lokonga goes back further. Last summer, before he moved to Luton, the Daily Express claims he was offered to the Reds, who 'considered' the proposal.

Edwards and the team will have the chance to consider the 24-year-old anew, because Arsenal has agreed to let him leave this summer. According to the Standard, he has held talks with the club and 'all' parties have agreed it is best for him to move on permanently.

Luton would be keen to keep Sambi Lokonga, who initially arrived at Arsenal from Anderlecht for $19m (£15m/€18m). But its chances are rated as 'slim' following relegation from the Premier League, suggesting interest from top-flight teams is anticipated.

Liverpool.com says: Solid without being spectacular, Liverpool could plausibly make a move for Sambi Lokonga if the price was right. But after a decent full campaign in the Premier League, Arsenal will not be minded to simply give away the once-capped Belgium international.

Could he be a younger version of Wataru Endō in terms of his squad role? Potentially, although that's not likely to be a priority for Liverpool this summer, with the Japan captain capable of fulfilling that peripheral status himself for at least another season.

Ultimately, while Sambi Lokonga will make an astute purchase for someone, it probably won't be Liverpool. But having considered him before, it's not one to completely rule out.