Arsenal outcast Albert Sambi-Lokonga gives green light for Sevilla transfer as clubs enter advanced negotiations over a loan deal with an obligation to buy

Albert Sambi-Lokonga has agreed a move to Sevilla following the end of his loan spell at Luton as the Arsenal midfielder prepares to leave English football.

A difficult spell at the Gunners has never really worked out after Lokonga joined in an £18m deal from Anderlecht in 2021 and at the time agreeing a long-term contract with the star.

The Brussels-born star of Congolese descent was wanted by Mikel Arteta because of his leadership abilities and future potential, in the end he made just 39 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions.

Crystal Palace brought him to Selhurst Park for the remainder of the 2022/23 season, but only seven appearances followed as Lokonga struggled with the demands of playing in England’s top-flight. 

A move to newly-promoted Luton at the start of last season was then used to get him associated with the demands of playing in the Premier League and showed an upturn in form.

Lokonga battled back from injury to make 19 appearances for Luton last season

A difficult spell at the Gunners has never really worked out after Lokonga joined in an £18m deal from Anderlecht in 2021

He battled back from injury to make 19 appearances for the Hatters but was unable to help their cause as they were relegated back to the Championship. 

Sevilla now want to bring the 24-year-old to LaLiga following a difficult season for the Spanish side that saw them finish 14th and momentarily flirt with relegation.

The club want to acquire Lokonga’s services on an initial loan deal with an option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season, while Arsenal want a loan deal with an obligation to buy instead.

Mail Sport understands negotiations between the two clubs are now at an advanced stage and talks are ongoing over a suitable payment structure for Lokonga.

It is yet to be decided whether the initial loan deal will be made permanent automatically at the end of next season, but the player has given the green light for the transfer.