Celtic and Rangers appear to be vying for several mutual transfer targets this summer, but one in particular seems set to slip through their fingers, delivering a significant blow to both Glasgow rivals.

Celtic have entered the summer transfer window with considerable momentum after securing a Premiership and Scottish Cup double in Brendan Rodgers’ first season back at Celtic Park.

The former Liverpool and Leicester City manager has already indicated his intent to build on last season’s success, aiming to ensure his side remains competitive on all fronts when the new campaign begins next month. Although Rodgers has yet to make a move in the transfer market, he has prioritized several key positions to strengthen in the coming weeks.

For Rangers manager Philippe Clement, the priority is to continue imprinting his own style on the squad he inherited from former manager Michael Beale during the first half of last season.

Clement has already added Jefte, Liam Kelly, and Connor Barron to his ranks this summer, with expectations that several more new faces will arrive. The Belgian manager is keen to secure silverware throughout his first full season in charge.

Intriguingly, both Glasgow clubs have reportedly made approaches for Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.

The 24-year-old, once-capped Belgium international, returned to the Emirates Stadium following a season-long loan stint at Luton Town, where he made 19 appearances as the Hatters battled unsuccessfully against relegation from the Premier League. Lokonga also spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.

Lokonga hinted at his future plans at the end of last season, telling the BBC: “For me, I had a discussion with Arsenal and the conclusion was the best thing for me was to leave the club, so now it’s up to my agent and the club to find something. I still have a contract there, one year plus a one-year option so let’s see what happens.”

However, it now appears that Celtic and Rangers will miss out on the talented midfielder. HITC reports that Lokonga has agreed terms with Sevilla, and the La Liga club is ‘close to finalising a deal’ with Arsenal. The report confirms that both Glasgow rivals ‘held an interest in Lokonga’ but faced competition from Premier League newcomers Leicester City and Southampton.

It seems the midfielder is set to make a third consecutive season-long loan move away from Arsenal, with an agreement with Sevilla nearing completion. One small detail remains to be finalized: Sevilla wants a ‘mandatory’ agreement to convert the move into a permanent switch at the end of the upcoming season, while Arsenal prefers an option for such a move.

The imminent departure of Lokonga to Sevilla represents a significant setback for both Celtic and Rangers, who must now turn their attention to alternative targets as they prepare for the new season.