Arsenal want to sell midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer after his loan spell with Luton Town, and the Gunners are demanding £12 million for his signature.
Sevilla sporting director Victor Orta wants a midfielder with Lokonga’s profile and has earmarked the Arsenal man ahead of a move this summer.
Arsenal are reportedly ready to consider a loan if the club inserts an obligation to buy in the deal.
Arsenal had signed Lokonga for around £17.2 million from Anderlecht, but they are willing to let him go for £12m.
However, that sum could prove too much for the Seville-based club, who are down on their luck financially.
The 24-year-old went on a short loan to Crystal Palace for the second half of 2022/23 in search of game time but didn’t impress.
Last term, he joined Luton Town as they came up from the Championship, and the midfielder left his mark at the club even though they ultimately crashed back down to the second division.
The Belgium international notched one goal and three assists in 17 Premier League appearances from the base of midfield.
He won 64% of his aerial and 61% of his ground duels while recovering the ball 3.8 times per game. He made 4.97 progressive passes per game and 2.0 progressive carries.
Lokonga will make a terrific addition for any team looking to take the punt on a talented defensive midfielder with much room for improvement.
Some other reports claim Sevilla have already agreed to personal terms with the player, and only their dealing with Arsenal remains the sticking point.
The player will be hoping Sevilla can get the deal over the line so he can get a fresh chance to shine.
