Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to join Premier League newboys Luton Town on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed an imminent deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga to join Luton Town on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal. The Belgian midfielder is surplus to requirements under Mikel Arteta and will now get a move where he can play regularly.
Mikel Arteta rated Albert Sambi Lokonga in the early part of the Belgian’s Arsenal career but soon thought it better to keep the midfielder away from his starting lineup. The 23-year-old also went on a six-month loan to Crystal Palace last season without making anyone take notice.
Since Lokonga missed pre-season due to an injury, Arteta has been clear the Belgian midfielder does not feature in his plans for the season. He was part of a list of players surplus to requirements, and Arsenal were actively looking to offload him and others.
Earlier today, Crystal Palace held talks for Rob Holding and agreed on a deal with Arsenal to permanently sign the English defender. Similarly, Nuno Tavares completed his loan move to Nottingham Forest. And there could still be movements about Cedric Soares and Nicolas Pepe.
Albert Sambi Lokonga joins Luton Town on loan from Arsenal, deal agreed — here we go 🟠🤝🏻 #DeadlineDay
The player has given his green light. pic.twitter.com/frbKCHt5j6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023
Later in the day, Luton Town opened talks with Arsenal to explore a move for Albert Sambi Lokonga. And the Hatters have now found a breakthrough in negotiations. The biggest obstacle for the Premier League newcomers had been whether the 23-year-old Arsenal midfielder would accept to join them.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Lokonga has accepted the choice and will now join Luton Town on a season-long loan without a buy option. Lokonga will return to Arsenal next summer to regain plenty of the lost confidence from his move to Luton.
Arsenal will see the benefit of this move as they know Lokonga will likely play regularly at the club this season in the Premier League. Such a move will ensure the Gunners retain the Belgian’s valuation in the market and even could see it rise if his performances match expectations.
Signing for Luton Town may not come across as the ideal choice for the midfielder. But it is a necessary move for the Belgian prospect, who Arteta has frozen out at Arsenal.
