Arsenal are said to be just £4 million away from meeting Anderlecht’s asking price for Albert Sambi Lokonga by the Athletic.
Arsenal have apparently submitted a £13 million bid for the midfielder in recent days, with Anderlecht wanting £17 million.
HLN in Belgian back up the claims that Arsenla’s first bid has been rejected.
However, with the Gunners now so close to meeting the asking price for the midfielder, it is surely likely that a second offer could come in soon.
Anderlecht are apparently willing to let their captain go, with Arsenal’s interest proving difficult to fend off.
Big step
If Lokonga was to move to the Gunners he would do so with a point to prove.
The 21-year-old would be making the biggest move of his career to date, but he has shown real signs of promise in Belgium.
Lokonga already plays a vital role for Anderlecht, and the signs are that he is ready to make the step up into a top five European league.
Arsenal seem to be targeting young players, who Mikel Arteta can develop through his coaching skills, and Lokonga would certainly fit that mould.
If he is to arrive at the Emirates Stadium then he could well partner Thomas Partey in Arsenal’s midfield next season, as there is a space in their starting line-up available.
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