Albert Sambi Lokonga has spent the season on loan in Sevilla from Arsenal, but injuries have stopped his progress and it is unlikely
Albert Sambi Lokonga stands in line to return to Arsenal this summer after his fourth injury of the season while he was borrowed in Lian in Seville. The 25-year-old Belgian has made 20 performances in La Liga, but his progress in Andalusia has stopped by persistent hamstring problems. Seville negotiated a buy-option of £ 10.25 million for Lokonga within the first loan agreement, but it is unlikely that they will activate that clause. That is a blow to Arsenaal, as if that figure was met, they would have inherited a clause of 25 percent that would be entitled to a bit of future profit.
When he has been available, Lokonga has been a permanent starter for Seville, but cash is tight in the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and the former Andercht-Sterret, who spent the second half of last season on loan in Luton Town, has trouble retaining Fitness. It was previously speculated that Sevilla would try to negotiate under the buy-option of £ 10.25 million, but the last injury of Lokonga, another muscle problem, means that the chances that that happens is always slim. At the end of the season, Lokonga will only have a year about his arsenal contract and the club is determined to move it further. There is no way back for him at the Emirates Stadium under Mikel Arteta and he will be one of the many stars to make way this summer to strengthen Arsenal's transfer budget. In February Lokonga expressed it clearly that he wants to stay in Sevilla after he has rejected several other offers last year to become a member of the La Liga -Outfit. He said: “I feel very good. I am growing. I feel better with every game. After leaving otherwise, Sevilla is the club where I feel very, very good. I want to stay, but it's not just my decision. It is early days and we will see each other at the end of the year.”
Lokonga has won two international caps for Belgium and also spent time in loan in Crystal Palace. Sevilla has covered the player's salary during his time on loan at the club. In the meantime, Arsenal is now open to the prospect of extending the contract of fellow midfielder Thomas Partey, which is currently expired at the end of June. In the past few weeks, Pareny has been associated with movements to Barcelona and former club Atletico Madrid, but it seems that he could stay in North Londs, where his family is understood as happy.