Liverpool are going to have to bring in a midfielder this summer. The Reds have seen the squad stretched thin this term and reinforcements are vital, particularly given the impending departure of a key star. According to AS, Liverpool want to sign Teun Koopmeiners with Jürgen Klopp seeing him as the ‘ideal candidate’ to replace Gini Wijnaldum.
The Gunners have been credited with an interest in signing the 21-year-old defensive midfielder this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to add to his squad ahead of his second full season in charge.
Lokonga was in good form for Anderlecht last season as he scored three goals and made two assists in 33 league appearances for the Belgian side.
According to respected journalist Terreur, Arsenal’s initial bid of upwards of £12.9m for the Belgium Under-21 international has been rejected by Anderlecht in recent days.
He claims that Anderlecht are holding out for a transfer fee of around €20m (£17.2m) before thinking about selling the midfielder.
Lokonga has had a decent season for Anderlecht, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 37 appearances. He is generally a holding midfielder by trade and is likely being looked at as a poten tial alternative to Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge.
The Belgian Under 21 international has been scouted by the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City in the past, and he could well be seen as the ideal partner for Thomas Partey.
Taildeman says, though, that Anderlecht “don’t expect an immediate offer” from Arsenal for Lokonga, which suggests he is likely a backup option if moves for other targets fail.
