Arsenal on the verge of signing Albert Sambi Lokonga

Arsenal have almost verbally negotiated the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Belgian club Anderlecht. The deal is expected to be made official soon, with negotiations between the two clubs yet to be fully complete. 

The London club have agreed a fee worth €17.5 million excluding add-ons, which will drive up the transfer fee even higher. The player has agreed a five year contract with the club, until 2026. 

Lokonga operates as a midfielder and came through the Anderlecht academy. So far, he has played all his football for his boyhood club but will now feature in Red and White if the deal goes through. Since only the final details remain to be sorted out, there are positive feelings surrounding his arrival to the Emirates. 

Arsenal are letting go of numerous midfielders this summer, with Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and William Saliba all heading out. The Belgian will help make up the numbers at the very least, and could even be a part of the starting lineup if he is impressive. 

No medicals have been scheduled for the transfer yet since the terms have not been finalised. The 21-year-old is versatile in the heart of the park and can operate in a variety of positions. He can play as a central midfielder, but fills in as a defensive candidate as well.