Brighton are reportedly weighing up a move for Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga before the transfer window closes.
The Seagulls have ‘switched their focus’ to the 23-year-old as talks with Lille over Carlos Baleba drag on, according to Sky Sports News.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Sambi Lokonga is merely an ‘alternative option’, with Baleba still their main target.
Romano reports that Brighton have submitted a new bid worth €25 million (£21.3m) plus add-ons, but the club have yet to reach an agreement and ‘negotiations continue’.
Brighton have been on the hunt for a new midfielder after selling Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British record transfer fee of £115m.
Sambi Lokonga could be a cheaper alternative to Baleba and has been pushing for a move away from Arsenal.
Earlier this summer the Belgian told YouTube channel Wonhee Hyung: “I will try to go somewhere where I can play so that’s the most important thing for me – to have some games and play game after game.”
The Gunners youngster, who spent last season on loan with Crystal Palace, has also been linked with Burnley. He previously played under Clarets manager Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, where he was handed the captain’s armband at the age of 21.
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