Arsenal linked with Belgian youngster

Arsenal have reportedly lined up Belgian youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga as a possible alternative to Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

The Gunners and Wolves have been in discussions over Neves, with the West Midlands club said to be demanding around £35m for him.


And the Express say Anderlecht’s Lokonga has been identified as a cheaper option should Arsenal not agree a deal for Neves.

Lokonga, a Belgium Under-21 international, has impressed this season and Belgian media reports have linked him with a move for some time.

Arsenal look set to offload both Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka in order to fund new signings.

Reports in Bellerin’s native Spain suggest he could be on his way back there from north London.

Villarreal’s former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is reported to be keen to be reunited with Bellerin, while Sevilla are also said to be interested in the right-back.

And the Express reports that much maligned midfielder Xhaka is on the verge of completing a move to Roma.

Bellerin has been with Arsenal for a decade and has made 183 Premier League appearances for the club.

Switzerland international Xhaka has been at the Emirates for five years, making 161 league appearances since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is determined to revamp the squad following a disappointing season.

The arrival of Neves, who has been outstanding for Wolves, would certainly seem like a step in the right direction ahead of the new campaign.