Trabzonspor have added Albert Sambi Lokonga to their summer shortlist, assessing the financial side of a potential deal for the Arsenal midfielder.
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)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Ömer Necati Albayrak of Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that Trabzonspor have added Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga to their shortlist.
Trabzonspor are currently conducting a cost analysis regarding the player, ahead of a possible move late in the summer transfer window.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 01: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ivan Martin of Girona FC during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and Girona FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 01, 2024 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Whilst most of the top European leagues close for business on September 1st, the Turkish Super Lig window will remain open until September 11th, giving Trabzonspor an extra 10 days to sign Lokonga when compared to many European rivals.
Though the only other reported interest in Lokonga comes from Greece, with PAOK FC interested in signing another player from Arsenal – having brought in Chuba Akpom from the Gunners in 2018.
Like in Turkey, the Greek Super League window doesn’t close until September 12th. So it seems the two competing clubs for Lokonga’s signature are actually on relatively even footing.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Luton Town celebrates victory at full-time following the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Luton Town at Bramall Lane on December 26, 2023. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Lokonga spent last season on loan with Sevilla, and they had an option to buy in the deal. But after a poor league campaign for the club and a couple of injury problems for the player, there was never much chance they’d agree to pay the purchase clause.
Lokonga has made 39 appearances for Arsenal since his 2021 transfer from RSC Anderlecht, the last of which was in January 2023. Loans to Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Sevilla have followed.
The Belgian international did join the team on tour during pre-season this summer, but he didn’t make any appearances on the pitch. It seems unlikely the player will be involved for Mikel Arteta’s team this campaign.
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