Arsenal’s summer transfer window is off to a horrible start, with Emiliano Buendia snubbing them to sign for Aston Villa and Martin Odegaard returning to Real Madrid. However, the Gunners have ramped up their approach for Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga star as well as Leicester’s James Maddison.
As per reports from Football.London reporter Chris Wheatley, Arteta is an admirer of Maddison, and the player is a target for the club. The Englishman is currently on the books of Leicester City and happens to be among their key first-team players. As such, only a massive fee will force the Foxes to part ways with their creator-in-chief. Arsenal’s approach for Maddison could be further complicated because rivals Chelsea are interested in the player as well. The Blues will reportedly target him if they lose Hakim Ziyech this summer.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have also approached Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga. The 21-year-old is considered a box-to-box midfielder and is being viewed as a potential replacement for Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka. Ceballos, too, returned to Spain after the expiry of his loan, while Xhaka is expected to complete a move to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.
The report claims that Arsenal have submitted a 15 million euros bid for Lokonga, but Anderlecht are holding out for 20 million. There is hope that a deal could be agreed to take the youngster to London, especially with Anderlecht’s finances in a dire condition.
The Gunners are also expected to make an official bid for Brighton defender Ben White in due course. The Englishman is priced at 40-50 million pounds by the Seagulls, although that is a sum which the club can pay.
