Arsenal have had their first offer for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga rejected, according to Le Soir.
The Belgian publication claim the bid from the Gunners was “deemed insufficient” but the London club are expected to return with another proposal for the 21-year-old.
Reports in the English press this morning suggest that Arsenal offered around €15m (£12.9m) for Lokonga but it is believed that Anderlecht may only be holding out for around €20m (£17.2m) so a deal is likely to be reached.
Anderlecht are said to be in financial difficulties and it appears the Gunners are looking to take advantage of the situation by making a move for one of their most promising young players.
If a deal for Lokonga is finalised, it would likely lead to Arsenal ending their interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma. The London club have been heavily linked with the Malian international in recent months, but his £40m price tag seems to have pushed them into looking for a cheaper option.
