Report: Arsenal inch towards summer signing as target is ‘no longer expected’ at club for pre-season

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Albert Sambi Lokonga is close to inching closer to a move to Arsenal. The midfielder will miss the start of pre-season with R.S.C. Anderlecht.

According to Belgian publication HLN, the 21-year-old prospect is ‘no longer expected’ to join up with Vincent Kompany’s side for the start of pre-season. The report further states that ‘only the numbers’ have to be confirmed before the youngster joins Arsenal.

The Belgian midfielder is due to be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer. As well as Lokonga, the Gunners are close to wrapping up deals for Ben White as reported by the Athletic. Nuno Tavares is also close to joining too according to Journal de Notices.

The Athletic also report that Arsenal are keen to sign four to five players this summer. This includes a new goalkeeper, with Aaron Ramsdale touted as a potential option for the Gunners.

With Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka close to leaving Arsenal as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Lokonga joins at an ideal time. Alongside the likes of Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, the Belgian youngster will be pairing up with players who can show the 21-year-old the ropes of the Premier League.

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Arsenal need players this summer as much as any other club in the top half of the Premier League. And in Lokonga, they will be signing a prospect who will excite supporters and provide Mikel Arteta with a different option in midfield.

An all-around dynamo for Anderlecht under Kompany, Lokonga’s energy and athleticism will be a great addition to the Arsenal squad, who were lacking this sort of player in the heart of their midfield last season. And following this latest update from Belgium, it appears that confirmation of the signing will be made soon.