SEVILLE, SPAIN: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ivan Martin of Girona FC during the LaLiga match be...
Arsenal 25yo admits he wants to leave permanently 1
LEGANES, SPAIN: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC looks dejected following the team's defeat during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Sevilla FC at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 09, 2024. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
LEGANES, SPAIN: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC looks dejected following the team's defeat during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Sevilla FC at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 09, 2024. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future is up in the air this summer, following his loan spell with Sevilla. The Spanish club had a buy option in Lokonga’s deal, but there hasn’t been any suggestion they plan to activate it after a poor collective season left them without European football.
Arsenal have triggered their one-year option in Lokonga’s contract, extending it to 2026, but it’s still pretty likely the midfielder moves on. The Gunners are just clearly not willing to let the Belgian international leave for nothing.
Speaking to the media, Lokonga admitted he’d ideally like to join his loan club permanently.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 25: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC shows appreciation to the fans following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Sevilla FC at RCDE Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 25: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC shows appreciation to the fans following the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Sevilla FC at RCDE Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“I don’t know what my future will be. But if Sevilla can afford it, I want to stay here,” Lokonga said. “But there are many things I can’t decide. I have a one-year contract with Arsenal and all options are open.
“I’ve said it often. I want to defend this badge. Now there are many things coming up that I can’t choose.
“The situation with Arsenal, the money Arsenal will ask for, Sevilla’s situation and whether they can pay Arsenal, my contract… There are many things I can’t decide anymore.”
Albert Sambi Lokonga in training (Photo via Sevilla on Instagram)
Photo via Sevilla on Instagram
Lokonga has already said his farewells to Sevilla on social media, writing: “Thank you very much for this year. I hope you will soon return to the glory you have known in the last years. Let’s see what the future has for me, Sevilla FC it was a HUGE pleasure!”
But Arsenal fans will be aware that farewells by loanees don’t always mean the end. Just a few years ago, Martin Odegaard shared an Instagram goodbye to Arsenal, only to confirm his permanent transfer to the Gunners a month later.
Lokonga made 23 appearances for Sevilla in 2024/25, playing a regular role whenever he was fit to feature. A few hamstring injuries held him back from more consistent minutes with the side.
For the time being, the Belgian international will be an Arsenal player once again. If he can’t sort out his future in the next few weeks, he’ll likely join the Gunners for pre-season.