Sevilla confirm Arsenal loan with option to buy | OneFootball

Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga as expected, announcing that they have an option to buy the midfielder.

Sevilla’s Albert Sambi Lokonga announcement graphic

As per reports from early on Monday morning, Sevilla and Arsenal announced the transfer of Albert Sambi Lokonga just before midday.

Arsenal simply wrote that Lokonga has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan, wishing the player the best for the coming season.

But Sevilla added an extra detail by confirming that they have an option to buy in the deal.

LUTON, ENGLAND: Phil Foden of Manchester City is challenged by Albert Sambi Lokonga of Luton Town during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on December 10, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Lokonga is reportedly joining Sevilla with a €12m (£10.1m) option to buy, and the Spanish side will cover his full salary for the 2024/25 campaign.

He was pictured arriving in Spain late last week, so the move has been a bit of an open secret for the last few days.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that if Sevilla activate their purchase option at the end of the season, Arsenal would then be due 25% of any future sale of the player.

Fiorentina were reportedly willing to make a better offer for the midfielder, but Lokonga was already set on Sevilla.

Albert Sambi Lokonga with Luton Town (Photo via Luton Town on Twitter)

Lokonga played 19 times for Luton Town last season amid a couple of injury setbacks. He’s made 39 appearances for Arsenal since his 2021 move, and whether he has the chance to make any more will depend on whether Sevilla activate their option next summer.