Arsenal have reportedly offered Albert Sambi Lokonga to clubs, with Mikel Arteta not considering the 23-year-old midfielder in his plans.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Arsenal have offered Albert Sambi Lokonga to clubs in an attempt to sell the 23-year-old midfielder. The report reckons AS Roma are one side the Gunners offered the Belgian to, but there are doubts whether any move might occur.
Albert Sambi Lokonga arrived at Arsenal two years ago as a promising ‘project’ signing. The Belgian started off brightly and took advantage of injuries to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey to stake a claim on Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, public comments about his lack of game time when others were fit did not rub on Arteta the right way. After another six months, Arsenal decided to loan Lokonga to Crystal Palace, but the 23-year-old midfielder underwhelmed at Selhurst Park.
Having returned to Arsenal for pre-season, Lokonga continues to nurse an injury that kept him out of the US tour. The Gunners had long decided to sell him, and they continued to search for solutions in the market. Some possible teams are keen on the midfielder, but none have come forward with an offer.
Burnley were one of the favourites to sign him due to the presence of Vincent Kompany there. There are in the mix to bring Lokonga to Turf Moor, but the activity has been slow. There have also been rumblings of a move to Strasbourg, managed by former Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
The report states that Arsenal offered Lokonga to many clubs, especially AS Roma. Jose Mourinho is keen on a midfielder, but the report insists he’s uninterested in Lokonga. The Belgian is among many other stars the Gunners are eager to sell in this window.
Folarin Balogun’s probably the most highly anticipated departure, with Inter Milan currently linked with a move. Similarly, Arteta wants to move on from Lokonga and use the cash generated on one or two new signings.
Arsenal may still need another midfielder on the left side, while a wide forward to cover Bukayo Saka may also come in handy. There are no concrete links for now, as multiple reports point to sales. The Gunners hope to sell the 23-year-old Lokonga at the right price.
