Sevilla is set to bolster their midfield with the loan signing of Albert Sambi-Lokonga from Arsenal. The Belgian midfielder will join the La Liga side on a loan deal that includes a €12 million buy option clause. This move is seen as a strategic step for both clubs, with Sevilla covering Sambi-Lokonga’s salary during the loan period.
- Sevilla will cover Albert Sambi-Lokonga’s salary during the loan period.
- The loan deal includes a €12 million buy option clause.
- Medical already booked for Sambi-Lokonga.
Sevilla’s Loan Move for Sambi-Lokonga
Sevilla’s acquisition of Albert Sambi-Lokonga on loan from Arsenal marks a significant move in the transfer market. According to a tweet from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal is in place, with Sevilla set to cover the midfielder’s salary and a €12 million buy option clause included in the agreement.
🚨🔴⚪️ Albert Sambi-Lokonga to Sevilla, here we go! Deal in place with Arsenal on loan move for the midfielder.
Sevilla will cover his salary with €12m buy option clause also included in the deal.
Medical already booked. https://t.co/DFangrXN5k
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 09, 2023
Sambi-Lokonga, who joined Arsenal from RSC Anderlecht in 2021 for €17.5 million, has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at the Premier League club. His loan spell at Crystal Palace in early 2023 provided some playing time, but a move to Sevilla offers a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
Player Profile: Albert Sambi-Lokonga
Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga, born on October 22, 1999, in Verviers, Belgium, is a versatile midfielder who can play both central and defensive roles. Standing at 1.83 meters, Sambi-Lokonga holds dual citizenship in Belgium and DR Congo. He is currently under contract with Arsenal until June 30, 2026, and is represented by Stirr Associates.
His career began in the youth clubs of RCS Verviers and RSC Anderlecht, where he developed his skills before making his senior debut. At Anderlecht, he made 69 appearances and scored 3 goals. Since joining Arsenal, he has made 39 appearances but has yet to score for the club. His loan to Crystal Palace in 2023 saw him make 9 appearances.
Career Statistics and National Team
Sambi-Lokonga’s career statistics include:
- RSC Anderlecht (2017-2021): 69 appearances, 3 goals
- Arsenal FC (2021-Present): 39 appearances, 0 goals
- Loan to Crystal Palace (2023): 9 appearances, 0 goals
On the international stage, Sambi-Lokonga has represented Belgium at various youth levels and has earned one cap for the senior national team. His national team statistics are as follows:
- Belgium: 1 cap
- Belgium U21: 7 caps, 2 goals
- Belgium U19: 1 cap
- Belgium U17: 1 cap
- Belgium U16: 1 cap
Transfer History
Sambi-Lokonga’s transfer history highlights his career progression:
- July 19, 2021: Transferred from RSC Anderlecht to Arsenal FC for €17.5 million.
- January 31, 2023: Loaned to Crystal Palace.
- July 11, 2024: Loan move to Sevilla with a €12 million buy option clause.
Implications of the Loan Move
This loan move to Sevilla could be pivotal for Sambi-Lokonga, providing him with the opportunity to gain more playing time and showcase his abilities in La Liga and European competitions. For Arsenal, this deal could either rejuvenate the player’s form or lead to a profitable permanent transfer.
For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Sambi-Lokonga’s profile on Transfermarkt.
