According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Atalanta have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer.
It’s stated that Atalanta are seeking more additions for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this summer, and one of them is Parma left back Giuseppe Pezzella.
Another is Lokonga, who looked Arsenal-bound but could end up playing in Italy if Edu doesn’t get a deal tied up soon.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Lokonga
The Gunners have been linked with Lokonga for a few weeks now, with Voetbal24 reporting earlier this month that Thierry Henry had recommended him to Arsenal.
The Daily Mail then reported that Arsenal had failed with a £13.5million bid for Lokonga, but there was optimism that he would be heading to North London.
Arsenal and Edu are seemingly confident that Lokonga will be joining, even with the asking price set at £18million – but they could now miss out.
Koopmeiners all over again?
Tuttomercatoweb reported earlier this month that Arsenal wanted AZ Alkmaar captain Teun Koopmeiners, but he preferred a move to Atalanta.
The explanation given was that the Dutchman fancied Atalanta because they have Champions League football. Arsenal don’t have European football at all next season.
Arsenal may be a traditionally bigger side than Atalanta, but the Italian side are making huge steps forward – and the Gunners should be fearing missing out on Lokonga now.
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