Arsenal have announced the signing of 21-year-old midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Arsenal have signed Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga on a five-year deal to 2026 with the midfielder costing Arsenal around €17.5 with add-ons taking it up to around €22m.

Arsenal and Anderlecht have agreed a 5% sell-on clause in the deal.

Sambi Lokonga made 37 appearances for Anderlecht this season, as well as a few for the Belgium u21s. He was on the fringes of the Belgium Euro 2020 squad, but he narrowly missed out when Axel Witsel returned to fitness just in time.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1417122059386228739

Albert Sambi Lokonga will not take his usual 48 shirt at Arsenal and will wear the much more sensible 23.

Lokonga told the official Anderlecht site, “I’m making a move from one big club to another. I am proud of this new step, but also sad that I am leaving RSCA. I want to thank you for all the love I have always received here. I am a mauve for life.”

Anderlecht added, “After 12 great years, Albert Mboyo Sambi Lokonga will be leaving Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht. The elegant midfielder has completed his move to Arsenal FC.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Edu said: “We are delighted Albert has signed with us, as there was a lot of interest in him and he was a big target for us. Albert is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, and he will bring us strength in depth in the centre of midfield. We look forward to his continued development with us.”

Mikel Arteta added: “Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons. We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”