Arsenal get the green light to complete deal for highly-rated Anderlecht star

Arsenal are reportedly in the final stages of sealing a deal to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Lokonga this summer.

Albert Lokonga is set to undergo a medical ahead of a reported €17.5 million transfer from Anderlecht.

The 21-year-old has been on Arsenal’s radar ever since the 2020/21 campaign ended. The Gunners need new midfielders this summer, with loan stars Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard having returned to Real Madrid. Matteo Guendouzi, meanwhile, completed a loan move to Marseille this week.

Reports have linked several players to the London side, including Brighton star Yves Bissouma. But Lokonga has emerged as the most likely option in recent weeks, with the Belgian keen on a move to England.

Albert Sambi Lokonga deal. €17.5m to Anderlecht plus add ons, final fee around potential €21m. Arsenal have reached an agreement since Tuesday evening – now preparing paperworks. 🇧🇪 #AFC

Lokonga turned down two bids from Italy to join Arsenal [until June 2026].

Here we go ⏳ https://t.co/DVN95E5dtD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2021

Now, as per Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal struck a deal worth around €21 million with Anderlecht on Tuesday. The Gunners will pay an initial €17.5 million, but the fee could rise due to add-ons.

It’s understood that Lokonga turned down two offers from Italy and will sign a five-year contract at Arsenal until 2026. His medical will take place in Belgium before the midfielder travels to London. Once he has arrived in England, he must do a period of isolation due to COVID regulations.

Should all go to plan, Arsenal could sign two players shortly in Lokonga and Nuno Tavares. The latter has been in isolation in London since his arrival last week, having completed a medical ahead of his move from Benfica. He is set to provide backup for Kieran Tierney in the left-back role.