Arteta will need to shop smart this summerArteta will need to shop smart this summer
Arteta will need to shop smart this summer | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal could be closing in on a transfer windfall, but there is a big road block.
Arsenal may be getting closer to a welcome transfer windfall, but there are some obstacles. The Gunners are expected to spend big this summer as they look to close the gap to champions Liverpool next season.
Profit and Sustainability rules mean balanced spending is always wise because even if frivolous spending is achieved this summer, it will come back to bite the club next year. These days, if clubs spend big without significant sales, it is simply a move to mortgage the future.
Arsenal did sell a number of players last summer, and there won’t be as many sales this summer barring surprises, although there are some departures on the cards. One who could leave is midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who spent the season just gone on loan with Sevilla, making 23 appearances across all competitions.
The Gunners paid around £17million to sign Lokonga in 2021, but he has never really impressed. Loan deals have ensued, but at 25 years of age, Lokonga does not meet Arteta’s spending, and a permanent departure is now likely. Sevilla hold an option to buy worth just shy of £10.1million, but their situation is complicated by a disastrous campaign from the Andalusian side.
Sevilla fans regularly protested after another disappointing campaign, and there has already been change at the helm. Former Leeds United sporting director Victor Orta has already been relieved of his duties, and it’s unclear what the future will hold for Sevilla, with a clear change of direction incoming.
In the meantime, Lokonga is being left hanging, with around 25 days remaining for Sevilla to take up the option to buy, otherwise they will have to send him back to Arsenal, with the Gunners having taken up the option to unilaterally extend his contract by a year, likely a move to protect their investment - or at least part of it. The midfielder has spoken about his desire to stay where he is, but he knows the situation is a complicated one.
Lokonga wants Sevilla stay
Speaking this week, Lokonga said: “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.”
Lokonga will be nervously awaiting his fate over the coming weeks as Sevilla get their act together and decide whether to pull the trigger.
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