Lokonga Set for Sevilla Move
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is reportedly set to move to Sevilla, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The deal will likely be a loan with a buy clause that Arsenal is pushing to be mandatory, aiming for it to be set around £10 million.
Lokonga, a box-to-box midfielder, was signed by Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021 for a reported fee of £17 million. Mikel Arteta was impressed with the youngster’s intelligence and maturity. The Belgian made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2021/22 Premier League season, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 away loss to Brentford.
However, Lokonga has struggled for game time at Arsenal, making just 12 starts in his first season. He then went out on two consecutive loans to Crystal Palace and Luton Town but still struggled for playing time. Earlier this year, Lokonga hinted at a departure, stating, “My time at Arsenal is slowly coming to the end, I think so. I had a discussion with the club, and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave.”
With the Belgium international unlikely to get significant game time this season, a move to Sevilla offers Lokonga a the chance to rejuvenate his career.
Mika Biereth signs for Sturm Graz on a Permanent Deal
21-year-old forward Mika Biereth has left Arsenal to join Sturm Graz on a permanent deal. Sturm Graz will reportedly pay Arsenal £4 million for Biereth, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Austrian club, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances.
Biereth joined Arsenal in 2021 but has not made a single first-team appearance. He has been on loan for the past two seasons, with stints at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell, and most recently Sturm Graz. The youngster has also represented Denmark at youth levels.
Given that Biereth was unlikely to break into Arsenal’s first team, this deal works out well for both parties. It provides the forward with regular playing time while making a small profit for the Gunners.
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