Amidst a flurry of speculation that Andrea Berta wants to extend the contracts of a number of key Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Garbriel Magalhaes, the first deal he has got over the line will come as a surprise to many fans.
Midfielder Albert ‘Sambi’ Lokonga has become something of a forgotten man at the Emirates, having spent the past two years primarily on loan, first with Crytal Palace, then with Luton Town, and last season with Sevilla.
The Spanish club have declined their option to buy him on a permanent basis, and he is heading back to North London, but, in order to protect his value, the 25 year old has now signed a mne year contract extension.
That means that he is no longer at risk of becoming a free agent at the end of June.
It is unlikely that he will be featuring in Mikel Arteta’s plans for next season, especially with the imminent arrival of Martín Zubimendi.
But if they do sell him, at least they can get something back on their investment.
