Albert Sambi Lokonga could leave Arsenal on loan or permanently in the upcoming summer window as he’s out of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside, Arsenal will consider a loan or permanent move for Albert Sambi Lokonga as the midfielder stares at another exit from the club. Mikel Arteta may not have a place for the Belgian despite his improved performances while on loan at Luton Town this season.
Albert Sambi Lokonga to leave Arsenal?
Albert Sambi Lokonga may have resigned to the fact that he will not get another chance to impress Mikel Arteta. The Belgian midfielder impressed in his first season since the move from Anderlecht but has since failed to crawl back into the manager’s plans. He had a sub-par loan at Crystal Palace followed by an impressive spell at Luton Town, but the Spanish manager may not want him back in his Gunners team.
Lokonga suffered an early-season injury at Luton Town, but the Hatters persisted with him, and he has performed admirably in the second half of the campaign. Even though the club suffered relegation from the Premier League, the 24-year-old Arsenal midfielder has impressed and could attract suitors in the upcoming window.
Arsenal plans on selling several players, as the list does include Lokonga. The Gunners did make a significant investment in signing him from Anderlecht, and now they may look to recoup at least what they paid. However, he’s one of those who can still improve his market value with another loan spell elsewhere, which is why the Gunners may be open to another temporary move.
Alternatively, as Fabrizio Romano suggests, they could even consider selling him permanently, provided they get offers closer to their valuation of the 24-year-old midfielder. Either way, Lokonga is set for another departure from Arsenal in the close season.
Romano said, “We’ve heard Albert Sambi Lokonga speaking publicly about his future and saying he doesn’t expect to stay at the Emirates Stadium.”
“My understanding is that Arsenal are open to both loan or permanent deal proposals, based on the fee or the player’s preference – that will also be important. Lokonga is expected to leave again because Arsenal want to bring in a new midfielder and they’ve already got many players in that position.”
Arsenal are prioritising a new midfielder
There are links to several top-level names ahead of the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes one of those linked with a move to Arsenal. Arteta wants a new partner for Declan Rice for the next few years and will be open to spending big once again this summer.
Frenkie De Jong is also a target, as it shows Arteta seeks either a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box type. In any case, the arrival of a new man in the position would render Lokonga’s presence irrelevant, which is why it’s suited for all parties that the Belgian Belgian departs in the summer.
