Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined English Premier League side, Arsenal for a reported fee of £18million. He is joining the club after a successful medical last Friday and signing a five-year contract with them.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is joining the Mikel Arteta led side from Anderlecht, on a permanent deal for £18.5m + £5.5m add ons.
The midfielder becomes the Gunners’ second signing of the summer transfer window following the recent £8m arrival of Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares, 21, and has been given the number 23 jersey number.
Sambi Lokonga is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football and wore the captain’s armband at Anderlecht last season despite his tender age, having risen through the club’s academy.
Albert Sambi Lokonga will join his new team-mates after completing isolation rules and is set to jet out to Florida on Wednesday for the club’s preparations for the new season.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht.
‘I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
‘We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.’
Next up for the North London team, is Ben White. The deal (£50million) is said to have been done between Arsenal and Brighton, and he will be announced in the next days after medicals.