Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga’s potential move to Burnley is edging closer, with a meeting taking place over personal terms earlier this week.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Florida Cup match against Chelsea at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his side’s fourth goal during the Florida Cup match against Chelsea at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Sacha Tavolieri reports that a meeting took place on Wednesday at Burnley’s headquarters to sort out personal terms for Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Tavolieri adds that the deal is getting closer, with just the final details to agree.

Elsewhere, Chris Wheatley writes that the loan move is edging closer, with the deal including an option to buy which will become an obligation if Lokonga reaches a certain number of games played.

Lokonga has reportedly already spoken to Burnley boss Vincent Kompany about the move, and he’s expected to play a key role for the side. Arsenal will not stand in his way, provided their terms are met.

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LONDON, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal is challenged by Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal is challenged by Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Plenty of sources have confirmed Burnley’s interest in Lokonga, though The Athletic reported earlier this week that a move was on hold as the newly-promoted club looked to finalise other deals ahead of bringing in the Arsenal man.

Perhaps Wednesday’s meeting with Lokonga’s camp could suggest a shift in focus to that loan deal now, with the new season fast approaching.

Lokonga returned to training with Arsenal this week after an injury absence during the early stages of pre-season, so he should be fit to make the move.

Manchester United's Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer (L) challenges Crystal Palace's Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on February 4, 2023. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer (L) challenges Crystal Palace’s Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on February 4, 2023. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal haven’t been averse to a loan with an obligation to buy in the past, as we’ve seen with the likes of David Ospina and Pablo Mari.

Mari signed for AC Monza on an initial loan last summer, but the Serie A club had an obligation to buy if they avoided relegation and he made a certain number of appearances.

After hitting both of those targets, Mari’s deal to move to Italy permanently was quickly finalised.

Speaking in an earlier interview on YouTube, Lokonga hinted that he could make a summer move away from Arsenal in search of minutes.

“I don’t know, I will try to go somewhere I will play,” Lokonga said of his plans for next season. “That’s the most important thing, to have some games and play game after game.”

Arsenal signed Lokonga from Anderlecht for around £15m plus add-ons in 2021.

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