Sambi Lokonga completes Arsenal move from Anderlecht

Sambi Lokonga Albert have been confirmed as Arsenal player after Anderlecht accidentally announced it first.

The 21-year-old Belgian star arrives at the Emirates in a £17million deal.

It comes after the Belgian side posted a video clip of the Sambi Lokonga showing his best bits at the club.

But the post was quickly deleted as it looks like it was put on by mistake.

However, a number of eagle-eyed Gooners spotted it and screenshotted the tweet and began sharing it themselves.

That led to excited fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the North London outfit.

Now the Gunners have given them exactly what they wanted as they confirmed he had penned a long-term contract with them.

Lokonga will don the No23 shirt previously worn by David Luiz, Danny Welbeck and Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal confirmed that the player has signed a ‘long-term’ contract.

Sambi Lokonga happy for the move

“It’s a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it’s going to be my first big move to another country.”

“It’s a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be,” Sambi Lokonga said.

“In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I’m looking to play in this league and I can’t wait to start.”

Arteta and his squad jet to the United States for a final pre-season training camp this week.

Sambi Lokonga will join them following his Covid quarantine period having recently arrived in the UK.

Arsenal take on Inter Milan in the Florida Cup semi-final next Sunday while Everton face Colombian side Millonarios.

Sambi Lokonga made 27 league appearances in the Belgian top-flight last season, scoring three goals and assisting two.

Despite his young age, he captained Anderlecht from December onwards.

As well as bringing Lokonga into the heart of midfield, Arteta has strengthened elsewhere already.

Nuno Tavares arrived earlier this month from Benfica for £8m.