Report: Arsenal to hand 21-year-old £40k-a-week deal; player waiting to fly to London, says journalist

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Albert Lokonga is waiting to fly to London to complete his Arsenal medical and will sign a contract worth around £35-40k-a-week.

That’s according to respected journalist Pete O’Rourke, who told the The Terrace Transfer Talk podcast that a deal for Lokonga is all but done.

O’Rourke suggests that Lokonga is now simply waiting to to fly into London to complete a deal. It’s believed personal terms won’t be an issue for the midfielder, with O’Rourke saying a contract around the £40k-a-week mark is expected to be signed.

Lokonga will represent another shrewd piece of business by Arsenal this summer. The 21-year-old has been a key target for a number of weeks.

Along with Ben White, he fits the profile of the type of player Arteta and Edu have identified. The news comes just days after reports suggested a deal was edging closer. It’s believed Arsenal will pay around £15m for Lokonga’s services.

One eye on the future

There’s no doubt that Arsenal fans will want to see Lokonga from the off. But this is a signing for the future, really.

Sure, he’ll probably play a part this season. But Lokonga is 21, and will need to adapt to a far better quality league. That takes time, so Gunners fans will need patience.

The deal on the whole seems a smart one though. Not too big a fee, and the wages reported here are small in PL terms.

All in all, this looks a great move by Arsenal.