Mikel Arteta flop now involved in transfer ‘plan’ that may force Arsenal to lower asking price

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One of Arsenal’s players out on loan is prepared to do all they can to secure a permanent transfer.

Mikel Arteta sent six players on loan in the summer, with some not expected to be in the manager’s plans going forward. 

Notable first team names who departed in the search of game time were Fabio Vieira and Hale End product Reiss Nelson.

Nelson is impressing on loan at Fulham while Vieira returned to his boyhood club to link back up with FC Porto.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal player out on loan for 2024/25 season

Arsenal learn Albert Sambi Lokonga transfer plan

Two other first teamers who left were Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga, with both talents expected to continue their football away from North London at the expiration of their deals. 

Tavares is flying at Lazio and has found a place to call home in Italy and after impressing at Luton Town last season, Lokonga earned a move to Sevilla.

After an injury-laden start to the campaign, the midfielder has found his feet in LaLiga, with reports in Spain saying that Sevilla are very much interesting to keeping the Belgian. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal loanee who was meant to be the ‘new Yaya Toure’ now valued by club, it’s such a shame

Sevilla site Vamos Mi Sevilla FC published a report on Lokonga’s future, with the club holding an option to buy for €12m (£10m). 

While that is common knowledge following the midfielder’s move, there is a stumbling block, as the report detailed that the fee is ‘completely out of the reach’.

Sevilla see the Arsenal loanee as a ‘physical prodigy’ but understand they will need to see his fee lowered to sign him permanently. 

There is however a plan in place involving the player, a plot conjured up by sporting director Victor Orta.

Orta hopes that Lokonga can ‘put pressure’ on Arsenal by expressing his preference to make a permanent move, with the end goal being a lowered sum to force an exit just one year before his contract expires.

Lokonga conditions over Sevilla move should be met

Arsenal signed Lokonga for a fee of £17m in 2021 and since then it’s become abundantly clear that the midfielder has no place at the Emirates. 

It’s a cruel reality as the 25-year-old is incredibly talented, but that is football and the Gunners must move on for the player’s sake.

Edu Gaspar won’t make a profit on Lokonga, that ship has long sailed however, the Brazilian can grant the midfielder’s final wish at Arsenal by sanctioning a permanent move to Sevilla.

It’s clear that the Belgian is valued highly in Spain, emphasising the requirement to put the player over business, given that he has no future at the Emirates.