Arsenal are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Burnley to sell midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
That’s according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who claims the Gunners’ talks with Burnley have reached an advanced stage,
despite Lokonga, 23, also being wanted by Spanish clubs.
Failing to impress since he joined Arsenal from Anderlecht two years ago, Belgium’s Lokonga is in need of a new challenge
in order to restart his stagnating career.
And Vincent Kompany’s newly promoted Burnley poses the best destination for Arsenal’s number 23 to showcase his talent
prove he is worthy of a starting spot in a Premier League-level club.
Although Lokonga’s impending switch to Turf Moor is rumoured to only be on loan, there is an expectation that the
midfielder’s deal will include a mandatory option to buy based on how many appearances he makes.
During his time at the Emirates Stadium, Lokonga, who already has one international cap on his CV, featured in 39 matches
for Mikel Arteta in all competitions.
READ NEXT@
Burnley have offer of £10m accepted for talented French forward
Burnley are continuing to strengthen the ranks ahead of the new season and have now had a bid accepted for young French
forward, Wilson Odobert.
The teenager had a good season with Troyes last season but is set to be among a number of players set to leave the Ligue 2
club.
And according to a report from Foot Mercato this afternoon, Burnley have made a £10m move to sign Odobert.
The 18-year-old scored seven times last season and is capable of playing across all three front positions if needed.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has made a habit of bringing in players who are relatively unknown on these shores and
turning them into stars.
The likes of Manuel Benson shone last season for the Clarets as they won promotion and Kompany clearly sees potential in
Odobert.
The Clarets are looking to cement themselves back in the Premier League this season and have made a number of moves in
the transfer market already.
And while Odobert might well be one for the future, Kompany clearly sees the potential in the youngster.
A young talent to watch for Burnley fans
Burnley fans will have full trust in Vincent Kompany’s judgement on players and the signing of someone like Odobert will be
exciting for those inside Turf Moor.
Odobert is very much an unknown quantity in England but there’s an obvious talent there. Troyes are losing a number of
players this season after relegation, with Yasser Larouci another who has sealed a move to England.
For Burnley, they’ll hope Odobert is a small gamble that pays off in the long term.
THIS MAY INTEREST YOU:
PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB REPORTEDLY CLOSING IN ON SIGNING ‘SPECIAL’ ARSENAL TALENT
Albert Sambi Lokonga wanted a move to Spain but is now seeing a move from Arsenal to Burnley accelerate.
That is according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who claims that talks for Lokonga to join Burnley are now ‘advanced’.
The plan is for Lokonga to join Burnley on loan with an option to buy, which could even become mandatory.
That would depend on how many games Lokonga plays next season, with a certain number triggering the deal.
Tavolieri adds that Lokonga actually fancied a move to Spain but Burnley have presented the most concrete move.
A switch to Turf Moor would give Lokonga the chance to play regularly and show his ability as a Premier League player.
The 23-year-old started just eight Premier League games last season across his time with Arsenal and then on loan at Crystal Palace.
Lokonga needs to be settled and playing in order to get back on track and Burnley are offering that possibility.
Vincent Kompany is a big fan of Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga may well jump at a move to Burnley in order to work under Vincent Kompany again.
The Belgian played 39 times under Kompany at Anderlecht, bagging three goals and three assists.
That sparked a 2021 move to Arsenal with the Gunners paying around £15million plus add-ons for the midfielder.
After a bright start, Lokonga lost his way a little and found it very difficult to force his way back into the team.
Lokonga may well find that Kompany has more of a clear role for him having become a huge fan over the years.
Kompany compared Lokonga to Yaya Toure and even called him ‘special’ having seen huge potential in the midfielder.
A reunion seems perfect for all parties and Burnley are now looking to get that deal done before a potential route to Spain opens up again.
Leave a Reply