Fabrizio Romano says £17m-rated star desperate to join Arsenal, has told other clubs his ‘priority’ is The Emirates

Add as preferred source on Google

Fabrizio Romano has told his Here We Go podcast that Albert Lokonga is desperate to join Arsenal. The Anderlecht ace has apparently told Atalanta and Napoli that his ‘priority’ is to move to The Emirates. Arsenal have had a £13million bid rejected for Lokonga, but Romano says talks are ongoing.

Lokonga, 21, has been in excellent form under the guidance of Vincent Kompany. Last season, Lokonga played 37 times for Anderlecht and even captained his side in 26 of those matches. Little surprise, then, that bigger European clubs have come calling for the Belgian’s services.

ESPN recently claimed that Arsenal have seen a £13million bid rejected for Lokonga, but that Anderlecht will sell for £17million. Personal terms are said to have been agreed. Now, Romano claims Lokonga is desperate to join Arsenal and even suggests something could be done in the “next days”.

“Talks between Arsenal and Anderlecht are true, and Arsenal and the player’s agents are true. Lokonga is 100% open to joining Arsenal. He would love to join Arsenal. He told Napoli and Atalanta ‘my priority is Arsenal’. Let’s see if Arsenal will complete a deal in the next days,” Romano said.

Arsenal transfer news: Lokonga is a bargain at just £17m, amid Romano claims

Ask Arsenal fans and the majority will tell you that the position that required the most-strengthening this summer is central midfield. Lucas Torreira should go, Granit Xhaka could to go, Matteo Guendouzi is ready to go and Mo Elneny is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

Dani Ceballos has already gone, returning to Real Madrid after two years on loan. So, Arsenal need a midfielder. One that does not stretch their budget given there are other areas that require strengthening. Young, massive potential but also plenty of experience – Lokonga is a bargain at £17million.

In other Arsenal transfer news aside from Lokonga, fans have discussed reports linking them with another Brighton player – other than Ben White.