Premier League side Arsenal have rejected an €8m offer from French side Monaco for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to reports.
The transfer market continues to heat up for the Gunners after widespread reports on Friday claimed that Brighton have rejected their £60m offer for Moises Caicedo.
Arsenal have already brought in forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia with the window closing Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta will be reluctant to lose anyone from his first-team squad, especially in midfield after Mohamed Elneny picked up an injury, and French publication Foot Mercato claim that Arsenal have rejected an €8m offer for Lokonga.
The Belgium international, who signed for Arsenal from Anderlecht for £17.2m in 2021, has only started two Premier League matches this season but will no doubt play a bigger role as the season goes on, especially if Arsenal pick up injuries and suspensions in midfield.
Monaco have money after selling Benoit Badiashile to Chelsea and Foot Mercato insists that they have ‘tried to enlist’ Lokonga from Arsenal to no avail so far.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright recently urged Lokonga to remain “patient” after the former striker admitted he was concerned by the 23-year-old’s performances.
Speaking after Arsenal beat Oxford United 3-0 in the FA Cup third round, Wright said: “I think with Lokonga, Oxford played very well the time he was on, it was very hard for him to find space.
“Unfortunately for him he got taken off and Vieira stayed on and he was able to show the quality once they got tired and he got a bit more space.
“You’re hoping at some stage it will kick in for Lokonga because at the moment it doesn’t seem like it’s happening for him. He’s just got to be patient I think.”
Despite one report claiming Arsenal have had ‘no direct talks’ with Juventus over the possible signing of Weston McKennie, Italian publication insists that Arsenal are ‘still in the running’ along with Leeds United and Aston Villa.
It is understood that the Serie A outfit held a ‘triple summit’ with the Premier League clubs with the Old Lady looking for at least €30-35m for the USA international.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has been hinting that Leeds are the frontrunners for the McKennie signature as it stands but claims “it’s not done deal”.
Romano tweeted today: “Leeds United are pushing to get Weston McKennie deal done as soon as possible. Talks continue with Juventus after positive contacts on Thursday. McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds days ago but it’s not done deal between clubs yet.”
READ MORE: Caicedo offer rejected by Brighton half an hour before Arsenal exclusively make it
