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Arsenal have activated a one-year extension in the contract of Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, following the conclusion of his latest loan spell at Sevilla.
The 25-year-old has spent the last two seasons away from North London, enjoying loan stints across Europe, with his most recent campaign seeing him fulfill a childhood dream by playing in Spain. Lokonga impressed during his time at Sevilla and has openly expressed his desire for long-term stability as he looks ahead to the next chapter in his career.
“I can’t say where I will end up,” Lokonga told Standard Sport. “But what I know for sure is I need stability — a club where I can stay for two or three years, to play and develop again.”
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The midfielder’s agent has already held talks with new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, and the club’s decision to extend his contract ensures Lokonga remains tied to the Gunners until the summer of 2026. His future, however, remains uncertain.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (Image credit: Getty Images)While a permanent move away from Arsenal remains possible, Lokonga has made it clear he would favour staying in Spain. He and his wife have settled well in Seville, and he has grown fond of the local culture and lifestyle — even adding Spanish music to his playlists.
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“It’s a country that I could see myself living in after football,” Lokonga admitted. “Already, before I came here, I was thinking about moving to Spain or Portugal. Now it just confirms my opinion that the life here is amazing.”
Despite limited opportunities at Arsenal since arriving from Anderlecht in 2021 in a £15 million deal, Lokonga holds no regrets about his move. Reflecting on his first season under Mikel Arteta, he described it as a valuable learning experience.
“With Mikel, I learned so much,” he said. “He is one of the best coaches I’ve had. Spending one year with him is like spending five years with someone else. If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”
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