Andrea Berta’s term as Arsenal’s sporting director kicked off with a decision that’s now under the microscope. The offloading of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for a paltry £260,000 to Hamburg in August 2025. The 26-year-old Belgian, once tipped as a future Gunners captain after his £17m arrival from Anderlecht in 2021, had struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta. Berta, fresh from Atletico Madrid, viewed the move as squad trimming amid a busy Arsenal transfer window but it became an error. But hindsight reveals it as a daylight misstep, especially after Lokonga’s heroics in Germany.
Lokonga’s Bundesliga Brilliance
What just happened? Hamburg did cause jaws to drop on their arch-rivals Werder Bremen. They defeated them in a thrilling derby match 3-2, with Lokonga shinning brighter than all. The talented ex-Arsenal midfielder scored one of the most spectacular goals in recent times. He played with unbelievable control throughout the midfield. He had an incredible sliding tackle that sent the crowd into hysterics. In 13 Bundesliga outings, Lokonga’s vision and courage have transformed him into a cult hero, gathering three goals and four assists—numbers Arsenal could only dream of from their benchwarmers.
Vieira’s Parallel Pain
Adding to the irony, Fabio Vieira is another Arsenal transfer error who was discarded on loan at Hamburg. He also shone in the same clash, providing an assist, 91% pass accuracy, two key passes, and three duel wins. The Portuguese’s resurgence underscores Berta’s midfield overhaul flaws. The high-potential talents were thrown away too cheaply during a £250m spending spree on stars like Gyokeres and Nwaneri.
After Arsenal signed Mosquera and Andrea Berta was pursuing a deal for Hincapié, people said "Not another Defender"
Saliba, Gabriel & Mosquera have all missed games due to injuries
Berta is Ten Steps ahead👏 pic.twitter.com/7CNftNAJfL
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) December 4, 2025
Arsenal’s Reckoning
This lowball transfer that Berta executed has profited him little, especially as a player now worth £15 million or more. Berta was too quick in his transfer maneuver to the Bundesliga. This reflected in Arteta’s comments concerning the depth required for the top four competition following defeat versus Aston Villa. The memory of Lokonga continues to trouble the Emirates. Berta has had several successful moves that are “masterstrokes”. However, if he does not slow down and make better decisions, he will need to continue correcting problems before he loses many more.
As featured on GoonerNews.com