Arsenal could hit the jackpot by selling forgotten star to Liverpool in shock transfer twist: report

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Arsenal and Liverpool could be prepared to do late business with one another, in a move no one saw coming earlier

Arsenal and Liverpool managers Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp share a moment before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on July 15, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors.
(Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal and Liverpool may be about to negotiate a shock deal to conclude the transfer window.

The Gunners and the Reds don't often do business with one another, with the last move between the two being Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017. Arsenal actually upset Liverpool four years prior when they infamously triggered Luis Suarez's release clause with a £40 million + £1 bid.

Liverpool have reportedly since included an 'Anti-Arsenal' clause in Roberto Firmino's contract – but the pair appear to be ready to bury the hatchet if reports in France are to be believed. 

Liverpool's Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 20, 2023.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino reportedly had an "anti-Arsenal" clause in his contract (Image credit: PETER POWELL / AFP)

football.london reports that fringe player Albert Sambi Lokonga could be sold to Merseyside, citing reports in France over the Belgian's future.

The 23-year-old has not played for Arsenal since the FA Cup exit against Manchester City last season, where he was subsequently loaned to Crystal Palace to play under Patrick Vieira. The former Highbury captain was dismissed mere weeks later, however, and Lokonga failed to make an impressed under new boss, Roy Hodgson. 

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According to Alex Crook, the chief football correspondent at talkSPORT, Lokonga is of interest to Brighton but he could be perfect for Liverpool. Having played as a No.6 and a No.8, he can dictate a game in midfield and gives good depth behind other midfielders.

Liverpool have bought Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo this summer to reshape the middle of the park. 

Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga celebrates after scoring their side's fourth goal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga could move to Liverpool (Image credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

As antoher positive for any deal, Liverpool might not have to pay too much money for the star, touted as the next Yaya Toure by former boss, Vincent Kompany, given that Arsenal are in a hurry to sell – but given that he cost around £15m when he joined, even £20m return could be enough to facilitate a new signing. 

Lokonga is valued by Transfermarkt to be worth €15m.

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal transfer news is coming thick and fast as we enter the final few weeks of the summer window.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to offer two players to Inter Milan in exchange for Nicolo Barella. Arsenal are also said to have made an audacious approach for one of Barcelona’s most exciting young talents.

In FourFourTwo's Season Preview, we ask whether Arsenal are truly back, following last season's title challenge.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.