Arsenal are believed to be confident of finalising a deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga over the next few weeks, after their first bid was knocked back.

Albert Sambi Lokonga midfielder of Anderlecht in action during the Jupiler Pro League between RSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge at the Lotto Park stadium FOOTBALL : Anderlecht vs Club Bruges - Jupiler Pro League -PhotoNews/Panoramic
Albert Sambi Lokonga midfielder of Anderlecht in action during the Jupiler Pro League between RSC Anderlecht and Club Brugge at the Lotto Park stadium FOOTBALL : Anderlecht vs Club Bruges – Jupiler Pro League -PhotoNews/Panoramic

Football.London report that Arsenal are confident of finalising at least two incoming deals over the next few weeks, and Albert Sambi Lokonga of Anderlecht is believed to be one of the two.

Sam Dean of the Telegraph confirms Arsenal are hopeful of getting the deal done.

Goal, Football.London, and the Evening Standard all report that Arsenal have made an offer of around £13m for Lokonga, which was knocked back. But that hasn’t quelled their interest or optimism in completing a deal.

Goal claim dialogue between Arsenal and Anderlecht is continuing, with Arsenal hopeful of reaching a compromise and expected to make a second offer.

HLN in Belgium claim Lokonga is leaving, adding that Arsenal have made an offer and Bayern Munich are following the situation closely. Di Marzio add that Atalanta and Napoli are also interested, but Arsenal are ahead having already made a bid.

For what it’s worth, Di Marzio claim Arsenal’s initial bid was €12m, quite a way off the reports of ~£13m (€15m) from the English media.

It’s possible the difference between these figures is accounted for by bonuses, given previous reports from Belgium suggested Arsenal’s initial offer was €15m including bonuses.

Either way, right now it looks as if Lokonga could become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.