Albert Sambi Lokonga’s move to Hamburg may have cost far less than first reported, with German media claiming Arsenal received only a minimal fee.
Early coverage of the deal indicated Arsenal had secured around £2.5 million for the Belgian midfielder, who had entered the final year of his contract.
But according to Hamburg-based reports, the Bundesliga side will pay only €300,000 in compensation, with potential bonuses attached, and have tied the 25-year-old to a contract running until 2028.
With Lokonga’s market value still listed at €8 million, Hamburg are understood to view the transfer as a coup.
Sporting director Claus Costa welcomed the arrival, saying: “Sambi is a technically strong player who has an excellent passing game, especially in depth.”
Lokonga will wear the number six shirt and declared: “I really want to help the team with my qualities. Whether through goals, assists or defensive work.”
Board member Stefan Kuntz added: “He should help our team in the build-up of the game,” with Hamburg desperate to improve after a poor start to the campaign which has seen them lose one and draw one without scoring a goal.
Lokonga’s exit closes a chapter at Arsenal that never truly ignited following his £17.2 million move from Anderlecht in 2021.
Loan spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla failed to establish him as a long-term option in Mikel Arteta’s squad. His move to Hamburg now offers the chance of a career reset in Germany, albeit at a fee that underlines how far his stock has fallen since leaving Belgium.
The news also came as Hamburg finalised a loan for Fábio Vieira, who joined from Arsenal with an option to buy for €20 million which Hamburg will never take up.