BREAKING: Brighton have just entered talks to sign Arsenal’s ‘special and smart’ player as they see him as the perfect replacement for Moises Caicedo who already joined Chelsea
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION IN TALKS TO SIGN ‘SPECIAL’ ARSENAL PLAYER
Brighton and Hove Albion have started talks with Arsenal over a deal to sign midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Albert Sambi Lokonga could receive an Arsenal escape route with Brighton and Hove Albion now discussing a deal.
That is according to 90Min, who claim that Brighton are pushing to land two new midfielders.
The Seagulls claim that Brighton have already agreed a deal in principle with Lille for midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The youngster is an exciting yet raw talent and Brighton clearly believe that he is destined for a big future.
Moises Caicedo has left the club and Brighton are ready to bring in two midfielders to replace the new Chelsea star.
Their other target is Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, with Brighton opening talks to sign the Belgian.
It’s suggested that the talks are surrounding a loan deal with Lokonga needing more experience away from Arsenal.
Brighton need to have plenty of squad options ahead of their Europa League campaign and may believe that they need both Baleba and Lokonga to replace Caicedo.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Lokonga is an ‘alternative option’ for Brighton, so it could be one or the other with the Seagulls lining up both deals.
Albert Sambi Lokonga needs Arsenal exit
Lokonga only joined Arsenal from Anderlecht back in 2021, completing a move worth around £15M plus add-ons.
After initially showing real promise, Lokonga started to fade out of the team and found last season very difficult.
Mikel Arteta switched up his tactical approach and there was no defined role for Lokonga anymore; not a pure holding midfield, not an attack-minded eight either.
Lokonga was sent on loan to Crystal Palace but has come back with Arteta having no real first-team plans for him.
There is already a feeling that Arsenal’s rapid progress under Arteta means players like Lokonga are being left behind a little.
Burnley have been chasing Lokonga this summer with boss Vincent Kompany a huge fan from his Anderlecht days, even calling him a ‘special’ player.
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri reported in July that Burnley were in ‘advanced’ talks to take Lokonga on loan with an option to buy.
That deal still hasn’t materialised though and Brighton are now moving in for Lokonga to help replace Caicedo.
