Arsenal brace for huge windfall with transfer demand revealed amid £10m dilemma

Arsenal and Albert Sambi Lokonga are expected to part ways this summer with Mikel Arteta hopeful of securing a major windfall for his exit. The Belgium international joined the Gunners from Anderlecht back in 2021 with his first 18 months at Emirates Stadium far from straightforward.

Loan spells at Crystal Palace and Luton Town followed for the midfielder with varying success. During his time at Selhurst Park under Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, Lokonga struggled but his temporary spell across the capital with Luton was far more fruitful.

Lokonga proved to be a key cog in Rob Edwards' midfield but an injury derailed his season with the Hatters ultimately suffering relegation. Despite impressing at Kenilworth Road, Arsenal are expected to sell Lokonga this summer with Sevilla interested in acquiring his signature.

According to Spanish journalists Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez and Alvaro Selas, via @PenaltyInfo_, Arsenal and Sevilla are attempting to reach an agreement, though there is a dilemma. The Gunners want a permanent transfer and value him at €12million (£10.1m) while Sevilla want it to be an optional purchase.

Lokonga sees his contract expire in 2025, which would explain why Arteta and Edu want him to leave this summer so that a fee can be obtained. Considering their Lokonga stance, it is clear that Arsenal will be aiming to make new midfield signings.

The expected departure of Thomas Partey furthers the likelihood of that occurring with Arsenal linked to numerous replacements as a result. Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are options alongside Joshua Kimmich, Amadou Onana and Youssouf Fofana though the latter trio could potentially be available for a cut-price fee.

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Everton's concerning financial situation could make it needed to sell Onana ahead of the 2024/25 season which the Gunners could still yet take advantage of, while Kimmich and Fofana both see their contracts expire in 2025 with it unlikely extensions are signed.