Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (23) runs with the ball during the first half against Orlando City at Exploria Stadium
Arsenal have reportedly now rejected a bid worth €8m (£7m) from AS Monaco to sign Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The Lowdown: Midfield shake-up
Arsenal are planning a shake-up of their midfield, with a first offer of £60m for Moises Caicedo rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion, and the expectation that they will go in with an improved bid (The Sun).
West Ham United and England star Declan Rice is reportedly also a top target for the Gunners in the summer, but it looks as if they would like to strengthen in this window too if possible.
The Latest: Lokonga bid rejected
As reported by French news outlet Foot Mercato this afternoon, the North London club have now rejected an offer of €8m (£7m) from Monaco for Lokonga, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium does not expire until 2026.
He has only made 14 senior appearances in total so far this season, and has only started twice in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).
The Verdict: Wait for Caicedo…
Mikel Arteta’s side must wait for Caicedo or another midfielder to come through the door before jumping the gun and getting rid of Lokonga.
Even though he has not been able to start many games, the £50,000-per-week ace is still a valuable member of the squad, and has reportedly travelled with them ahead of their trip to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round tie tonight.
Arteta also expressed his concern over the seriousness of Mohamed Elneny’s latest injury setback in his pre-game press conference, while Thomas Partey has unfortunately been injury-prone in the past.
Nonetheless, Lokonga is needed at the moment for squad depth, but if Arsenal were able to sign another midfielder before the end of the window, then they may be tempted to cash in given his lack of game time.
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