A lot of transfer rumours involving Arsenal are going to come and go this summer, but it does look like the potential interest in Anderlecht star Albert Sambi-Lokonga is getting more serious.
There have been a few reports earlier today which are suggesting an opening bid has been made, and the two sides aren’t too far apart when it comes to their valuations:
Anderlecht have rejected Arsenal’s first offer for Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi-Lokonga (21).
Arsenal offered more than €15m (bonuses included). The Belgian club are hoping for €20m.#AFC
(With @PJCalcoen / @hlnsport)
?? https://t.co/76KYaeFvj1 pic.twitter.com/fff5NM0DFO
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) June 15, 2021
He’s an exceptionally talented player who’s broken into the first-team over the past couple of years, while he was also on the standby list for the Belgium squaf for Euro 2020 so he’s clearly got a bright future in the game.
The only downside at this stage would be a lack of experience as he’s only played in 69 league games so far so it’s a limited sample size, and it does suggest it may be too much to expect him to play a key role straight away.
The general response from a lot of the fans on Twitter has been positive, but they want him to be seen as a rotational player to develop rather than a straight replacement for Granit Xhaka if he does go:
This Lokonga guy seems to have a nice profile, why not as long as he's not the replacement for Xhaka.
— #KroenkeOut (@The_Wilsh) June 15, 2021
£13.5m Bid for Lokonga? Seems to be very highly rated by a lot of people. Think as soon as xhaka is sold, we’re buying him
— Oliver Stilwell (@Olly_Stilwell) June 15, 2021
I think Lokonga is being bought as a back up and not a replacement for Xhaka
— Himish Paul (@HimishPaul) June 15, 2021
Out: Xhaka – 28yo CM circa £18m
In: Lokonga – 21yo CM circa £18mLooks smart business on paper. Arsenal slowly accumulating a young but very talented squad. Fingers crossed they all develop into the players we need them to be long-term.
— Eric (@eric_arsenal) June 15, 2021
Guendouzi fc and Xhaka fc better not hate on Lokonga if we sign him. He will need time to adapt to the prem so drop your agendas right now
— Kroenke out (@Afc_Dima) June 15, 2021
Lokonga to replace Guendouzi not xhaka
— Kroenke ? (@Titifinesse) June 15, 2021
Xhaka’s exit hasn’t been finalised yet but it looks like the fans still want a more experienced player to come in as the direct replacement for him, but having a strong starting XI complimented by talented youngsters with big upsides is exactly what Arsenal need to build going forward.