Arsenal transfer news: Sevilla working on Albert Sambi Lokonga deal

Exit: Albert Sambi Lokonga (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Exit: Albert Sambi Lokonga (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has emerged as a serious transfer target for Sevilla.

Lokonga spent last season on loan at Luton and has agreed to depart Arsenal this summer after holding talks with the club.

Sevilla are understood to be interested in the Belgian, with the possibility of either a loan or a permanent deal on the table.

Lokonga is into the final year of his contract with Arsenal, which could be extended by a further 12 months.

“For me, I had a discussion with Arsenal and the conclusion was the best thing for me was to leave the club, so now it’s up to my agent and the club to find something,” Lokonga told the BBC in May.

“I still have a contact there, one year plus a one-year option so let’s see what happens.”

Lokonga impressed during his loan spell at Luton, earning praise from the likes of the then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Hatters would have loved to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but accepted that would no longer be possible after they were relegated from the Premier League.

Sevilla are now keen to sign Lokonga, who is hungry for a new challenge after struggling for minutes at Arsenal.

The Gunners are currently having a mini training camp in Marbella ahead of the new season, with manager Mikel Arteta working with nine first-team players, but Lokonga is not one of those involved.