Sources: Burnley plot loan-to-buy Lokonga signing from Arsenal
Burnley are in talks with Arsenal over a loan-to-buy deal for midfielder Sambi Lokonga, sources have told Football Insider.
The Clarets are preparing for a return to the Premier League and have highlighted the 23-year-old as a top target this summer.
Vincent Kompany is a huge admirer of Lokonga and is eager to reunite with the Belgian youngster after working with him during his time as Anderlecht manager.
Football Insider first revealed on Friday (19 May) that Burnley have opened talks over a loan deal for Lokonga.
Sources have informed this site that there is a “strong chance” that a loan deal could include clauses for a permanent deal next summer.
Arsenal are keen to offload Lokonga after his underwhelming loan spell at Crystal Palace, and the Gunners would be willing to agree a permanent deal at the right price.
Lokonga failed to cement a place in Mikel Arteta’s plans after his £17.2million move to The Emirates in 2021, and the Gunners boss is now targeting new midfield reinforcements this summer.
Football Insider sources revealed on Sunday that Arsenal are set to freeze Lokonga out of the squad amid talks with Burnley.
Lokonga has struggled to rediscover his form at Selhurst Park on loan, with only 24 appearances to his name this season for a total of 1,395 minutes.
He has fallen further down the Palace pecking order since Roy Hodgson replaced Patrick Vieira as manager, with Lokonga only featuring twice in their last 10 league fixtures.
In other news, Burnley to back Kompany as five top targets revealed