“I Want To Stay” – Arsenal Loanee Unsure Of Long-Term Future

By The Editor
on 10th February 2025

Sambi Lokonga wants Sevilla stay…

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi-Lokonga wants to stay at Sevilla on a permanent basis but is unsure of his long-term future as his loan spell draws to a close, Mucho Deporte reports.

Lokonga experienced a tough start to life in Andalucia after picking up a hamstring injury that had kept him out for six weeks earlier this season.

However, his resilience has seen him return to the fold and become one of the La Liga side’s key men, starting 12 of his 15 appearances in the league.

It was reported by Fabrizio Romano in July that there is a €12 million option-to-buy clause in Lokonga’s loan deal to Sevilla, though that’s a hefty fee for them to part with.

It remains to be seen which way Sevilla is leaning towards turning the Belgian loan into a permanent deal.

“I feel very good,” the 25-year-old was quoted as saying.

“I’m growing. I feel better with each game. After leaving Anderlecht, Sevilla is the club where I feel very, very good.

“I want to stay but it’s not just my decision. It’s early days and we’ll see each other at the end of the year.”

Lokonga will have just 12 months left on his Arsenal deal come the summer which will likely present the last chance to recoup a fee for him.

The former Anderlecht man joined in 2021 alongside Nuno Tavares with the pair described as development signings. The latter looks set to join Lazio in a permanent deal once his loan ends, but the demand hasn’t been there for the Belgian midfielder.

Lokonga’s struggle to remain fit has been a constant challenge and the Gunners loanee had another injury scare after missing the game against Barcelona on Sunday with a suspected hamstring injury.

While the severity of that injury hasn’t been determined, it’s the type of flashpoint that may cause Sevilla to pass on keeping him permanently.