Vincent Kompany wants a summer reunion with Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga at Burnley as he prepares for life in the Premier League.
According to The Sun, Vincent Kompany is eyeing a reunion with Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. The 23-year-old could become surplus to requirements at the Emirates, with the Gunners likely to add him to the list of players to leave the club.
Albert Sambi Lokonga packed plenty of promise when he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 — backed by comments from then-Anderlecht manager Vincent Kompany. The former Belgian defender even compared the 23-year-old to Manchester City great Yaya Toure for his style. The midfielder was also the club captain when leaving for the Gunners.
Lokonga arrived as part of Arsenal’s new transfer policy targetting young stars and brightened his time at the Emirates. A mid-term injury to Granit Xhaka and then followed by Thomas Partey’s absence provided the Belgian the base to stake his claim.
At first, Arteta seemed to trust in the young midfielder. But this season, the Belgian had no place in the manager’s plans. The Arsenal boss often selected Mohamed Elneny even when Lokonga was available. Moreover, the Arsenal midfielder’s comments in the media may have led to his exit in January, albeit on loan.
Even at Crystal Palace, he started brightly under Patrick Vieira, playing nine times since arriving. However, the club won none of those games, and since the Frenchman’s departure, Roy Hodgson has only selected him twice. One was a start in the loss against Wolves, with the other a cameo when Palace were already leading by two goals.
There’s the knowledge that Palace may not retain him beyond the season as he might return to Arsenal, where he might have no place in Arteta’s plans. The Gunners could sell Lokonga alongside several other existing stars, with plans to revamp the midfield zone.
Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are reportedly considered priorities for the summer window. As for Lokonga, he could still attract interest from the Premier League, with Burnley now coming to the fore for the midfielder. The former Anderlecht manager, now in charge of the Clarets, wants a reunion with his former captain.
Burnley have achieved promotion back to the Premier League in flying colours. However, the top division will prove a different challenge to the Championships. Kompany wants the Arsenal midfielder to become a part of his setup for next season and may start talks with the London club over a move.
For his playing career, a move to Burnley could prove effective for Lokonga. Kompany hopes to revive the same connection with the Arsenal midfielder he once had at Anderlecht. He could help the 23-year-old become a better player.
Nothing seems agreed between all parties. But talks could begin soon for the Arsenal midfielder. Whether he could find his rhythm under Kompany remains the question, but the Gunners will look to make a profit on their investment in the Belgian.
