Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe left Arsenal on permanent deals this summer, and one more player could also leave the Emirates soon.
The Gunners lost one of their longest serving players in Smith Rowe, who had been at the club since his was 10 years old. The midfielder made a permanent move to Fulham.
Smith Rowe said the reason he left Arsenal was to play more football and feel happy again:
“I wanted to be playing. Sometimes you have to think of the best for yourself. I always want to put my club first but at the same time I have to make myself happy. It was probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make (to leave). But I spoke to my family and we decided it was the best thing for me.”
Ramsdale also left the club after his position became clear as the backup to David Raya.
Arsenal loanee could push for permanent exit
October 25, 2024, Cornella, Barcelona, SPAIN: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC looks on during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between RCD Espanyol and Sevilla FC at RCDE Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Cornella SPAIN – ZUMAa181 20241025_zaa_a181_156 Copyright: xJavierxBorregox
After struggling for playing time, Albert Sambi Lokonga has been on loan at Crystal Palace and Luton town over the past year.
This summer, the midfielder joined Sevilla on a season long loan. Since he joined Arsenal in 2021, the Belgian has only managed 12 Premier League starts for the club.
Arsenal are said to have included a €12m option in the loan deal. Now, Vamos Mi Sevilla FC now claim the Spanish club want to sign Lokonga on a permanent deal but for a lower fee.
The report claims Sevilla sporting director Victor Orta wants Lokonga to ask Arsenal to allow him to join the Spanish club on a permanent deal. With his loan expiring next summer, it would be left with 12 months on his Arsenal contract. Sevilla would be looking for a fee below €10m.
Sevilla want to keep Belgian midfielder
Lokonga has already played five league games for Sevilla and already has an assist. He is clearly out of favor with Mikel Arteta, so the wise option would be to sell him before he leaves on a free in 2026.
The Andalusian club are content with keeping him; even the manager is impressed with the player:
“Look at his CV. Sambi gives you that calmness in the game, that pause, he seems to make everything easy, he has the ability to give pause and judgement,” he said.
“Injuries have prevented him from having continuity, but the other day we saw his level. He’s 25 years old, he’s got a lot ahead of him, for me he’s an incredible player.”
With Arsenal plotting a move for this Premier League midfielder, Lokonga is already on his way out of the club.
