Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga, agreeing personal terms and growing optimistic of a deal with Anderlecht.

Albert Sambi Lokonga pictured during a soccer game between RSC Anderlecht and KRC Racing Genk, Sunday 14 March 2021 in Brussels, in the semifinals of the Croky Cup Belgian cup. VIRGINIE LEFOUR
Albert Sambi Lokonga pictured during a soccer game between RSC Anderlecht and KRC Racing Genk, Sunday 14 March 2021 in Brussels, in the semifinals of the Croky Cup Belgian cup. VIRGINIE LEFOUR

Chris Wheatley reports that Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga. The player wants to join and he’s already agreed personal terms.

The Gunners still need to agree a fee with Anderlecht, but there’s optimism from all sides that they can reach a deal.

Reports on Sunday night from Belgium suggested Arsenal had made a new €14m offer plus €3m in bonuses for the midfielder. The suggestion was that it still wouldn’t be quite enough to complete the deal, but negotiations are ongoing.

Arsenal’s third offer is expected to get the job done, with Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting that it’s now just a matter of time.

Reports over the weekend from HLN’s Kristof Terreur suggested Arsenal have effectively seen off the competition for Sambi Lokonga’s signature at this stage, and they’re quite sure they’ll get him. Anderlecht need to complete the sale for financial reasons.

Lokonga made 37 appearances for Anderlecht this season, as well as a few for the Belgium u21s. His performances earned him a senior Belgium call-up, but he was the unlucky ’27th man’ at Euro 2020, narrowly missing out on the squad.

The 21-year-old is already captain of his club side and highly rated by his country. A promising and dynamic defensive midfielder, it’s perhaps no surprise Arsenal are interested.

For more information on Sambi Lokonga and the details of a potential deal, check out our profile article here.