Arsenal have announced the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht on a long-term contract.
ESPN reported that Arsenal were close to agreeing a deal to sign the 21-year-old midfielder last month.
"Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
"We're confident Albert's ready for the next stage in his development and we're looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence."
Arteta is keen on strengthening his midfield options this summer with Dani Ceballos now back at Real Madrid, Granit Xhaka in negotiations to join Roma and s Lucas Torreira available for transfer. Meanwhile, Matteo Guendouzi has left to join Marseille.
Sources told ESPN the Gunners had scouted Lokonga for some time, dating back to before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: espn.co.uk