'Here we go' - Arsenal loan deal close to completion as 'medical booked' and 'deal in place'

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is close to completing a move to La Liga outfit Sevilla after a loan deal was agreed between the clubs, according to a number of reports.

The 24-yer-old first joined the Gunners in July 2021, signing a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after arriving for around £17m from Anderlecht. However, he has made just 39 appearances for the the North London club in that time and has spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Luton Town.

He is now set for another loan spell as he prepares to head to Sevilla, with his medical booked for Friday according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic. The Spanish club will pay the player’s full salary with an option to buy also included, worth around £10m.

Lokonga has been frustrated with his lack of game time at Arsenal for a number of seasons. Speaking way back in 2022, after just one full season in North London, the midfielder said: “Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me. It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens.

“At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.”

A loan spell at Palace followed in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, before he joined Luton for a full season last summer. However, his time at the Hatters was disrupted by a hamstring injury, as he made 19 appearances in all competitions with one goal and three assists.

Speaking about Lokonga, Luton boss Rob Edwards revealed he was keen to keep the player permanently. He said last season: "I would love to work with him for a longer period of time, but I don’t think that will all be down to me. He’s our player, but he’s obviously an Arsenal player as well, so I think a lot would have to happen.”

However, Sevilla have now landed the player and if the loan goes well, he might have played his last game for the Gunners after a frustrating period for the midfielder in North London.