Burnley hold meeting to agree personal terms with Arsenal midfielder Sambi Lokonga

Burnley held a meeting today to discuss personal terms ahead of signing Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Clarets manager Vincent Kompany wants a reunion with the Belgian after their time working together at Anderlecht.

Lokonga is out of favour at Arsenal, spending the second half of last term on loan at Crystal Palace, and he is expected to leave North London permanently before the summer transfer window shuts.

The 23-year-old joined the Gunners from Anderlecht in July 2021, making 24 appearances across all competitions in his debut season.

Lokonga made 15 appearances last term but fell behind other midfielders in the pecking order.

He is out of contract in 2026, so Arsenal have a chance to earn a decent fee from his sale.

Lokonga has only played once for the Belgium national team, replacing Eden Hazard in the 74th in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia in September 2021.

He has to start playing regularly if he wants to earn more caps, and only a move elsewhere would help his cause.

The Belgian is not guaranteed a starting berth at Burnley, but he would fancy his chances with the Premier League returnees.

The Arsenal man played some of his best football under Kompany at Anderlecht and has a chance to get his fledgling career back on track at Turf Moor.

The Clarets will look to strike a deal with Arsenal as they would love to have Lokonga available when the new league campaign kicks off next weekend.

The Gunners have bolstered their midfield with the addition of Declan Rice despite losing Granit Xhaka, and selling Lokonga will not hurt them.

He struggled to live up to the expectations but will be getting a chance to prove his quality at Burnley next term, and the onus is on him to do so.