Audio By Carbonatix
Arsenal have completed the signing of Anderlecht and Belgium youth midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on a long-term contract.
The fee, although undisclosed, is believed to be around £17.2m.
Having joined Anderlecht at 15, Lokonga made his first-team debut in December 2017, and has gone on to make 78 appearances, scoring three goals.
"Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
"He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
"We're confident Albert's ready for the next stage in his development and we're looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence."
Arsenal technical director Edu added: "There was a lot of interest in Albert and he was a big target for us.
"He will bring us strength in depth in the centre of midfield."
The midfielder, who will wear the number 23 and have Sambi on his shirt, has played seven times for Belgium Under-21's, scoring two goals.
Lokonga will join his new team-mates after he has completed the current isolation regulations for international arrivals into the UK.
Arsenal are also closing in on the transfer of Brighton and England defender Ben White, for £50m, having already taken 21-year-old left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica for £8m this summer.
Latest Stories
-
Man arrested for allegedly stabbing woman in both eyes with scissors at Sefwi Abrokofe
14 minutes -
Health Ministry to investigate Fourth Estate report on Ridge Hospital
18 minutes -
At least 39 dead, 152 injured in high-speed train collision in southern Spain
24 minutes -
Video: Galamsey and the Bui Power Plant; illegal mining threatens dam’s future
25 minutes -
GNFS intensifies fire safety education and inspections across Greater Accra
28 minutes -
DRIP formalised nationwide to ensure efficiency and sustainability – Vanderpuye
29 minutes -
Mahama’s economic gains favour the rich, not ordinary Ghanaians – Dennis Miracles Aboagye
34 minutes -
WPL 2025/26: Ampem Darkoa Ladies stretch gap in Northern Zone after latest win
35 minutes -
Dr Godwin Djokoto calls for reorientation of public land ownership
35 minutes -
Blackstar Experience had no budget for 2025 – Rex Omar
40 minutes -
Coconut Grove Regency Hotel celebrates staff excellence at Annual Awards Dinner
41 minutes -
Coconut Grove Regency Hotel honours staff for dedication and professionalism
52 minutes -
NPP presidential aspirants to sign peace pact ahead of flagbearer race
57 minutes -
WPL 2025/26: Army Ladies, Jonina Ladies falter as Hasaacas Ladies beat Oak Ladies
57 minutes -
DRIP not only for rural roads; urban areas are major beneficiaries – Vanderpuye
59 minutes
