Brighton have identified Arsenal outcast Albert Sambi Lokonga as their replacement for Moises Caicedo this summer after a deal for Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba proved tricky to do, it has been reported.
The Seagulls have enjoyed an excellent start to the new season and currently sit top of the Premier League, with two wins from their opening two games and eight goals scored, three more than any other side in the top flight so far.
However, they have seen plenty of change this summer, and Moises Caicedo finally completed a long-anticipated move away from the AMEX last week, joining Chelsea in a £115m deal on a mammoth eight year contract.
It means that the Seagulls are on the hunt for a replacement, and though they are still thought to be keen on Baleba, a deal is proving hard to complete with Lille holding out for around 30m euros.
Instead, they have turned their attentions to Arsenal outcast Lokonga, who is widely expected to depart this summer and was thought to be on Burnley’s wishlist earlier in the summer.
As per Sky Sports, they are exploring a move for the Belgian, which would initially be on loan and would allow Lokonga a chance at regular game time in the Premier League.
It is as of yet unclear if Arsenal would sanction a loan move, with the Gunners thought to favour a permanent departure should they be able to receive a sum similar to the £15m that they paid for him in 2021.
However, a season with Brighton, as shown by the likes of Levi Colwill, could go a long way towards boosting his value.
