Report: UCL club rivalling Arsenal for 21-year-old who ‘stands out’, Arteta bid rejected

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Arsenal face competition from Atalanta in the race to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to Gianluca di Marzio.

Atalanta are keen to rejuvenate and strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini’s engine room and defensive options in the summer transfer market. The Gewiss Stadium outfit are now evaluating possible targets, with Parma left-back Giuseppe Pezzella and Lokonga in mind.

But La Dea are yet to reach an agreement for Pezzella and could face Napoli rivalling for Lokonga, as well. Anderlecht have also already turned down an approach from Arsenal for their 21-year-old captain, who is admired by Thierry Henry.

Arsenal offered £13million for Lokonga as Mikel Arteta sought to strengthen his ranks with the Anderlecht ace, per the Evening Standard. The Gunners remain keen on bringing the Belgian, plus Brighton defender Ben White, to the Emirates Stadium, however.

The north Londoners intend to return to Lotto Park imminently with a new bid for Lokonga, as Edu works hard in search of an agreement. The Athletic claim Anderlecht want closer to €20m (£17m) to strike a deal for a firm favourite of manager Kompany.

Paars-wit named Lokonga as their captain in December and he started all 37 of his appearances last season. He also led Kompany’s side to the Belgian Cup semi-final, while finishing the Jupiler Pro League campaign in fourth.

Despite anchoring the Anderlecht engine room most weeks, Lokonga also offered three goals and three assists across all competitions. His goal involvements additionally directly led to Paars-wit beating Club Brugge, Cercle Brugge, Genk and Royal Antwerp.

TBR’s view: Arsenal face battle for Anderlecht ace Lokonga

Arsenal may only be £4m away from reaching an agreement with Anderlecht for Lokonga, but Edu and Arteta face a big battle for his signature. The Gunners’ lack of European football could now seriously hinder their pursuit of the talented 21-year-old.

Lokonga could play Champions League football next season if he were to move to Atalanta. Gasperini secured La Dea their third-straight third-placed Serie A finish last term, beating Juventus on goal difference. Napoli can also present Europa League action from fifth.

Arteta and Edu, then, must convince Lokonga that Arsenal have a better long-term vision for the Anderlecht star and themselves. His stock is continually on the rise and made his first appearance in a senior Belgium squad earlier this month.

Kompany also lauds the improvements he saw from Lokonga last season, stating via Voetbal Belgie: “With his qualities at his age, he stands out for me. Will Sambi win his duels? Is he improving his defensive work? You ask yourself these questions as a coach. Well, I’ve seen him make a lot of progress in that area.”