Arsenal loanee admits desire for permanent transfer

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed his preference to complete a permanent transfer to loan club Sevilla at the end of the campaign.

Sambi Lokonga made the temporary switch to Spain last summer, having previously endured frustrating loan spells at Crystal Palace and Luton Town over the preceding two seasons.

Now, the 25-year-old Belgian has admitted feeling at his best since leaving former club Anderlecht in 2021. He would choose to stay, but acknowledges there are different factors involved.

Sambi Lokonga has just under 18 months left on the five-year Arsenal contract he signed upon joining the Gunners, with that deal to enter its final season soon.

The likelihood of Sambi Lokonga re-establishing himself at Arsenal in the event that he does return to north London is slim. The Gunners spent big on Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino, with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice undisputed starters and Martin Zubimendi still a major target.

Jorginho is nearing the end of his contract and could move on amid interest from Flamengo, but any role for Sambi Lokonga would still be as a back-up at most.

Sevilla are enduring a tough campaign in La Liga, sitting 12th and so far unable to improve on last season’s bottom half position, which came off the back three successive top four finishes.

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