Club want Arsenal loanee to pressure club to reduce pre-agreed fee | OneFootball

Sevilla are reportedly exploring ways to lower the pre-agreed purchase price for Albert Sambi Lokonga, as they look to make his loan move from Arsenal permanent.

The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder joined Sevilla on loan during the summer transfer window, with an option to buy for around €12m.

However, the Andalusian side may seek to renegotiate that figure, with Sevilla’s sporting director Victor Orta working to find a feasible solution.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 01: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ivan Martin of Girona FC during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and Girona FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 01, 2024 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Lokonga was brought in to fill a void left by the departure of Boubakary Soumaré, whose €14m purchase clause was deemed unfeasible by Sevilla’s tight budget and it seems they’re having the same problem again.

The midfielder has quickly established himself as a key figure at the club, impressing in performances such as Sevilla’s recent victory over Espanyol.

Head coach García Pimienta has been particularly vocal about Lokonga’s value to the squad. In a recent interview with Canal Sur, Pimienta described Lokonga as “an incredible player” who has brought a calmness and composure to Sevilla’s midfield.

Pimienta stressed the importance of Lokonga’s influence, emphasising his ability to control the tempo of the game and bring much-needed stability during high-pressure situations.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pimienta’s admiration for Lokonga was evident as he noted the midfielder’s qualities: “He seems to make everything easy, he has the ability to give pause and judgment,” said Pimienta, highlighting Lokonga’s game-reading abilities.

Despite only playing 306 minutes this season due to injury setbacks, Lokonga has evidently made an impact on both his coach and his teammates.

Yet, financial constraints remain a key issue for Sevilla.

The €12m price tag set by Arsenal (and agreed to by Sevilla) represents a potential hurdle, particularly for a club operating under ongoing budget limitations.

According to reports from Vamos Mi Sevilla FC, Sevilla are now considering an approach similar to what Orta successfully deployed in the past with Lucien Agoumé, who left Inter Milan for just €4m.

Albert Sambi Lokonga trains with Arsenal (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

This strategy would involve convincing Lokonga to actively push for a reduced price from Arsenal, taking advantage of his contract situation with only one year remaining with the Gunners after his current loan ends.

Sevilla remain optimistic about making Lokonga’s move permanent if the financials can be resolved. But that’s a big ‘if’.

Lokonga’s time on loan may have been interrupted by injuries, but there is a sense in Nervión that with consistent game time, the Belgian can rediscover his form and fulfil the potential that Arsenal saw in him when they signed him from Anderlecht.

For now, the focus remains on Lokonga staying fit, regaining form, and, apparently, putting pressure on his parent club to facilitate a permanent move to Spain at a lower price.