Arsenal can complete double transfer deal with Monaco after breakthrough in Brighton talks
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future at Arsenal remains unresolved with just over a week remaining in the transfer window. The Belgian international was not a part of the squad that travelled to the United States on tour this summer.
An injury prevented him from gaining precious time with the squad, and arguably putting himself in the shop window. Negotiations over a potential move have been difficult with Burnley’s interest rising and falling relatively quickly.
Brighton have been a side which have an interest in the player however football.london understands that a move for Carlo Baleba is progressing with a fee in the region of €30million (£26million) expected to get the deal done after lengthy negotiations. There had been suggestions the Seagulls would entertain a loan for the Belgian.
However, from an Arsenal perspective, only a dry loan or a move with an option at a significant valuation would suffice. There were obstacles with this and Brighton however.
After the situation with Levi Colwill, Brighton were somewhat burned by how well the England international did on loan with the south coast club. So much so that their efforts to sign him on a permanent deal quickly became impossible.
A repeat with Lokonga would not be ideal and on the flip side, Arsenal would not want the Belgian performing brilliantly and raising his value significantly only for the Seagulls to activate a relatively low buyout option in his loan deal. Loans have not worked out for the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Cedric Soares as the Gunners have found out this summer in their attempts to move them on.
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If Lokonga is to leave, football.london understands that Ligue 1
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