Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Albert Sambi Lokonga, with the Belgian midfielder completing a permanent transfer to newly promoted Bundesliga sideHamburger SV on transfer deadline day.
The 25-year-old leaves North London after four years, having joined from Anderlecht in 2021 for €17.5 million. In a statement, Arsenal said: “Sambi Lokonga has joined Bundesliga side Hamburger SV in a permanent transfer. We thank Sambi for his contribution during his time with us and wish him all the best for his next chapter.”
While the club did not disclose the transfer fee, reports from Sky Germany suggest Hamburg will pay around €10 million, with Arsenal securing a significant sell-on clause.
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Lokonga made 51 appearances for the Gunners, including 39 in the Premier League, but struggled to cement a regular place under Mikel Arteta. Loan spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Sevilla showcased his potential but also highlighted the need for a permanent home to relaunch his career. Earlier this year, he spoke of his desire for stability, saying: “I want to find a place where I can play consistently and grow.”
𝐌𝐎𝐈𝐍, Sambi #Lokonga! 👋🏽
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His move to Hamburg provides that opportunity. Fresh from their long-awaited return to the Bundesliga, HSV have been active in the transfer market, adding Lokonga after also securing Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira on loan and Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic. Head coach Merlin Polzin will view Lokonga as a dynamic midfield option with top-flight experience to strengthen his squad.
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For Arsenal, the sale is part of efforts to trim the squad and comply with UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules following an ambitious summer window that included the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Piero Hincapie.
The Gunners have also sanctioned the departures of Jakub Kiwior to Porto, Fabio Vieira to Hamburg, and Albert Sambi Lokonga, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to stay despite interest from Marseille.
Hamburg supporters will now look forward to seeing Lokonga’s work rate, passing range, and defensive discipline in action as he aims to revive the form that once made him one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders at Anderlecht.
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