It’s been a frustrating season for Albert Sambi Lokonga. The 25-year-old left Arsenal to join Sevilla on loan at the start of the 2024/25 campaign but injuries restricted the midfielder to just 23 appearances.
The Belgian struggled with hamstring injuries during his time in Spain and missed more than a dozen matches for club and country because of injury. Sevilla have decided not to activate the purchase clause of around £10million in his deal and Lokonga will therefore return to Arsenal this summer.
It’s possible Lokonga is given the chance to fight for his place in the Gunners midfield but a permanent exit from the club this summer appears to be the far more expected outcome. Andrea Berta would prefer a permanent sale but it remains to be seen if there is enough interest in the former Anderlecht man.
With his season now over, Lokonga took to Instagram over the weekend to send an emotional message to Sevilla coaches, players and supporters. The midfielder wrote: “Sevilla. Thank you very much for this year!
“I am a person who feeds me with the positive then I just want to say thank you to my colleagues, staff and people who help us every day! The fans your support and affection in each match was incredible to play in the Sanchez Pizjuan with you is different
“I hope you will soon return to the glory you have known in the last years! To finish thanks to the management for giving me the opportunity to represent the city, let’s see what the future has for me. SEVILLA FC it was a HUGE pleasure! Big hug.”
In a separate post, Lokonga shared images of himself wearing the Sevilla badge while training and at a press conference. He wrote: “@sevillafc [love heart emoji]. Where there is no way, God creates a way!”
Lokonga had previously declared his intention to stay at Sevilla after the loan. Speaking in February he said: “I’m growing, I feel better with each game.
“After my departure from Anderlecht, it’s a club where I feel very good and I want to stay, but the decision is not only mine. It’s early. We’ll see when the year is over.”
Lokonga’s wishes have not come true, however, and he will now return to the Gunners for pre-season. It’s likely the midfielder and the club will sit down for talks once he has enjoyed a summer break, but his time in north London once more may be limited.
