Arsenal has finally got their target Albert Sambi Lokonga. The midfielder joins the Premier League club from Anderlecht on a five-year deal for a €17.5m transfer fee along with €4.5m add ons. There is also a 5% sell-on clause included in the deal.
Sambi made 37 appearances for Anderlecht this season and also made a few appearances for the Belgium u21s. He was on the verge of getting called to the Belgium Euro 2020 squad. But he narrowly missed out as Axel Witsel returned to fitness just in time.
He will now look to take the next step in his career after joining Arsenal. He will wear shirt number 23 at Arsenal instead of his previous number 48.
Lokonga told the official Anderlecht site, “I’m making a move from one big club to another. I am proud of this new step, but also sad that I am leaving RSCA. I want to thank you for all the love I have always received here. I am a mauve for life.”
Anderlecht added, “After 12 great years, Albert Mboyo Sambi Lokonga will be leaving Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht. The elegant midfielder has completed his move to Arsenal FC.
Speaking to Arsenal, Edu said: “We are delighted Albert has signed with us, as there was a lot of interest in him and he was a big target for us. Albert is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, and he will bring us strength in depth in the centre of midfield. We look forward to his continued development with us.”
Mikel Arteta added: “Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons. We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”
