Arsenal could take their first step in bringing Declan Rice to the Emirates Stadium this summer by sanctioning a deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
It's no secret that Rice is Mikel Arteta's transfer priority ahead of the upcoming transfer window. football.london understands the Gunners have been putting in the groundwork behind-the-scenes to sign the midfielder since before January.
The England international is capable of playing in a range of positions across midfield, making him a valuable asset for sporting director Edu Gaspar.
READ MORE: Declan Rice transfer latest: Arsenal lead race, official bid timeline, £120m fee, Xhaka exit
Owner Stan Kroenke has reportedly supplied Arteta £200million to spend in the summer, with nearly half of that due to be spent on Rice. The deal is expected to dominate the summer period, with Manchester United and Chelsea also interested.
Arsenal are already working on making space for the 24-year-old. Granit Xhaka is in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen, football.london understands, leaving a gaping hole in Arteta's midfield.
But another transfer could be another step in the Gunners' pursuit of Rice in Lokonga. The 23-year-old has spent the second half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace after falling down Arteta's pecking order.
The Belgian has been tipped to be one of many players to be sold in the summer and he could be granted a reunion with Vincent Kompany. The Burnley boss managed Lokonga at Anderlecht before his £17m move to north London.
According to The Sun, Kompany is a huge fan of the midfielder and is keen to add him to his squad ahead of the Clarets' return to the Premier League.
Should Lokonga secure a move to Turf Moor, it would be another step in the right direction to bring Rice to the Emirates Stadium.
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