Arsenal were top of the transfer deadline day news when they negotiated to sell midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for a massive financial loss. The deal was a bit of a surprise, although it is also a good illustration of how fast football choices get turned around once a player can’t secure a guaranteed place in the team.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: Time at Arsenal
Lokonga joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021 for 17.5 million Euros with lots of hype. He was a young midfielder who would mature under Mikel Arteta’s system. The Gunners believed that he would become a long-term midfield player who would cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. But even though there have been some glimpses of what he might become, he failed to get into the first team. His loan spells and intermittent games signified that the club did not consider him a long-term plan anymore.
The club can confirm that Sambi Lokonga has joined Hamburger SV on a permanent deal.
Wishing you all the best for the future, Sambi 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 1, 2025
Deadline Day:
The day of transfer, Arsenal accepted an offer well short of what they had bought him for. It was an expensive loss in terms of both finances and reputation. The signing will be seen negatively by the fans as bad business. It also speaks to the extent to which sometimes it will be difficult to assemble a team at the top. Sometimes even great players just can’t get used to the speed and physicality of Premier League football.
Albert’s New Home:
Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined German club Hamburger SV for 3 million Euros. For Lokonga, the move is an opportunity to begin anew. At 24, he has time to reboot his career and demonstrate why once upon a time he was among Belgium’s most hyped midfielders. A new beginning might allow him the confidence and minutes he never found at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s View:
For Arsenal, the signing is a symbol of trying to cut down the size of the team and focus on players who fit into Arteta’s long-term visions. How much it hurts in finance terms, letting go the space and wages is always more valuable than holding on to a disgruntled or useless player.
Author’s Insight:
Both parties will ultimately be seeking this separation to result in better results. Lokonga leaves with experience and Arsenal move on with a clearer direction for their high-flying team.