Arsenal have taken up the option to extend Albert Sambi Lokonga’s contract by a year. That should enable them to sell him this summer for a reasonable fee. Sevilla had an option to make last season’s loan permanent but have not taken it up. Lokonga’s preference would be to remain in Spain.

The news comes as Arsenal announced their first transfer of the summer, though not in the direction Gunners fans will have been hoping for, with Nuno Tavares completing a permanent transfer to Lazio, who have taken up their £7m option to sign the left-back after his successful loan spell.