Albert Sambi Lokonga trains with Arsenal (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram) Spanish outlet ABC report that Arsenal have relaxed their stance on an obligation to buy in Albert Sambi Lokonga's proposed loan to Sevilla, adding that the player is very close to completing a transfer as a result.

ABC write that Sevilla are close to completing the loan deal, with Lokonga giving his approval to the move, aware that he doesn't have a place in Mikel Arteta's squad for next season.

Reports broke in late June that Arsenal and Sevilla were in advanced talks for a potential transfer for Lokonga, and negotiations over the purchase clause were seemingly holding things up.

If Arsenal have now relaxed that stance and would accept an option to buy, the deal would certainly become more likely, though the chances of the Gunners ever seeing the fee they'd agreed would significantly lessen.

Arsenal already received a fee of PS500,000 for Lokonga's loan to Luton Town last season and may also have received a fee for his loan to Crystal Palace. But that still puts them a way off recouping the PS15m they invested in him to begin with.

Despite those spells out through injury, Lokonga was back in the team by the end of the campaign, making five consecutive starts in the final month and putting in some strong performances.

After the season's conclusion, the midfielder spoke to the media about his intentions to leave Arsenal.

"I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end," Lokonga said.

"I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave. I have a one-year contract plus a one-year option, so now it's up to the club and my agent to find the best solution."