Arsenal to ‘sacrifice Albert Sambi Lokonga’ in £26m January swap deal

Arteta on Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table

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Arsenal are reportedly willing to use Albert Sambi Lokonga in a straight swap for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with both players valued around the £26million mark. Mikel Arteta is known to be keen on adding quality to his midfield and believes the Italian could be what he needs – and could be willing to sacrifice Lokonga after he fell out of the first team picture. 

In Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka Arsenal have a strong midfield partnership, with the duo playing integral roles during the Gunners’ surge to the Premier League summit after eight matches. However, the Ghanaian is prone to injuries and has been forced to miss matches with thigh and knee complaints this season, with replacements like Lokonga lacking the quality he possesses. 

Arteta has hence looked to bring further additions into the area and the club have been heavily linked with a move for Douglas Luiz, with Aston Villa believed to have turned down a £35m bid on deadline day. Yet it appears Arteta could now have turned his attentions elsewhere, with reports from Italy suggesting he could make a move for Juventus star Locatelli in January. 

CMW claim that Arsenal are preparing a straight swap for the Italy international with Lokonga moving in the opposite direction. Both players are estimated to be worth around £26m and neither are commanding regular starts, so the fresh start may benefit all parties.

However, the deal is likely to be complicated given that Locatelli is currently only at Juventus on a two-year loan deal for Sassuolo. There is an obligation to buy included within the deal – but this does not become active until the end of the season, meaning the Gunners will be reliant on the Old Lady activating the clause early if they are to get their man. 

Locatelli joined the Serie A giants at the start of last season following an impressive showing during the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament. He won player of the match in the second game against Switzerland after scoring twice, helping maintain Italy’s momentum as they went on to claim the trophy. 

He has made seven appearances in all competitions this season yet it is believed Max Allegri does not see him as a major part of his plans going forward, hence a potential willingness to sanction a move. 

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Lokonga’s season at Arsenal has been very similar, with the player making the same amount of appearances as his potential replacement. Most of his match minutes have come from the bench or solely as a result of Partey’s injuries and there is therefore an understanding that the player could one to move on. 

It remains to be seen if Arsenal solidify their early interest in Locatelli but it looks increasingly certain that the club will look to strength in central midfield in the near future.

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