Arsenal transfer news: Albert Sambi Lokonga fee, sell-on clause 'revealed' as Hamburg move confirmed

Arsenal have confirmed the sale of Albert Sambi Lokonga to Hamburger SV for what is reported to be a nominal fee.

The Belgium international returned to North London earlier this summer following a semi-productive loan spell at Sevilla, where he registered two assists from 23 matches across all competitions for Los Palanganas.

Lokonga was frequently pictured during Arsenal's summer training sessions and appeared in high spirits on the London Colney pitches, but he did not turn out for Mikel Arteta's side in pre-season.

Surplus to requirements in the English capital, Lokonga was always expected to leave on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window, and the 25-year-old will now continue his career with newly-promoted Bundesliga side Hamburg.

"Sambi Lokonga has joined Bundesliga side Hamburger SV in a permanent transfer," a statement from the Gunners read. "We thank Sambi for his contribution to the club during his time with us and wish him all the best for his next chapter with Hamburger SV."

How much will Arsenal earn for Lokonga sale?

According to the Daily Cannon, Arsenal will receive just £2.5m for the sale of Lokonga, a significant loss on the £15.1m they paid Anderlecht for the then-promising midfielder back in the summer of 2021.

However, the report adds that the Gunners have negotiated a sell-on clause for the 25-year-old, allowing them to recoup a percentage of any future profit if Lokonga leaves Hamburg in the coming years.

Greek side PAOK supposedly expressed an interest in signing Lokonga too, but the Belgian gave priority to Hamburg after an ultimately unsuccessful four years at the Emirates Stadium.

Lokonga rose to prominence under Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht before joining Arsenal in 2021, and he leaves the Gunners having failed to register a single goal or assist in 39 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Lokonga played 19 times for Arteta's side in the 2021-22 Premier League season, but he failed to kick on and was also loaned out to Crystal Palace and Luton Town during his time in the English top flight.

Lokonga's exit may be a case of one down, three to go for Arsenal on deadline day, as the Gunners are also looking to offload Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira within the next couple of hours.

Vieira is expected to follow teammate Lokonga to Hamburg, although his switch will be a loan with an option to buy, and there are still a few details that need to be ironed out before that transaction goes through.

Meanwhile, Kiwior's loan to Porto with an obligation to buy is understood to be on the verge of completion, and that deal will allow the Gunners to bring in Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.

Finally, Nelson is supposedly heading to one of Arsenal's London rivals on loan with an option to buy, although he will not be returning to Fulham.