OFFICIAL: Arsenal sign Anderlecht midfielder Sambi Lokonga

Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined Arsenal from Anderlecht on a long-term contract.

The 21-year-old midfielder came through the Belgian club's youth system after joining in 2014 as a 15-year-old and signing his first professional contract in November 2017.

He made his first-team debut for Anderlecht in December 2017 and has been a regular in their side over the past two seasons, making a total of 78 appearances.

A Belgium Under-21 international, Albert was called up at senior level in March 2021 when he was an unused substitute against Greece.

Technical director Edu said: “We are delighted Albert has signed with us, as there was a lot of interest in him and he was a big target for us. Albert is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, and he will bring us strength in depth in the centre of midfield. We look forward to his continued development with us.”

Mikel Arteta said: “Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons. We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”

The midfielder will join up with his new team-mates in the coming days after he has completed the current isolation regulations for international arrivals into the UK.

Albert will wear the No 23 shirt and have the name Sambi on the back.