Dharmesh Sheth has told Sky Sports on Wednesday afternoon that Arsenal would ‘expect a few departures’ if they are to sign the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ben White and Ruben Neves this summer.
It was a pretty busy day in the Arsenal transfer rumour mill on Wednesday, with bids and rejected offers flying everywhere.
The midfield area is one department that Arsenal are seemingly looking to refresh, especially with rumours suggesting that Granit Xhaka could be on his way out of North London.
Anderlecht’s rising star, Lokonga, is a name on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist, with those in Belgium possibly looking at wanting £20 million for his talents.
But with other names, such as Wolves’ long-range shooter, Neves, also mentioned, Sky journalist, Sheth, made it clear that players need to leave before these can be brought in.
“What about potential arrivals? Albert Sambi Lokonga,” said Sheth. “This has been reported elsewhere as well.
“He’s a Belgian midfielder. 21-years-old. He plays for Anderlecht. Arsenal are in talks with Anderlecht over the signing of Lokonga.
“He would cost in the region of £15-20 million. He’s a midfielder and Arsenal are very, very interested in him. They still maintain an interest in Ruben Neves as well, that one would cost a lot more.
“And you would expect a few departures for them to fund all of these moves if they are to get the likes of Ben White, Lokonga and Ruben Neves.”
It remains to be seen whether this is just noise from Arsenal, or for once, they are being serious about making moves in the transfer market.
All the above players mentioned would, no doubt, help elevate this declining North London club, who probably need the most surgery out of anyone in the Premier League.
Given that the Gunners didn’t secure European football for the forthcoming campaign, it should have sent a much-needed kick up the backside for those running the club.
If it hasn’t then nothing will ever change with the Kroenke’s, who will probably forever be unpopular with the Arsenal supporters.
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