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Klopp drops a bombshell about Arsenal’s Albert Lokonga Sambi

By on February 21, 2024

Albert Lokonga Sambi Luton

In his latest press conference, Jurgen Klopp may have given Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta the perfect £15 million solution to his summer midfield shake-up.

Next season, we might see a different Arsenal midfield. Mohammed Elneny and Thomas Partey are expected to leave. Jorginho, whose contract expires in the summer, could also go if his 12-month extension isn’t triggered.

This anticipated midfield shake-up suggests Mikel Arteta may need to dup into the transfer market for reinforcements. And as he searches for the ideal midfield addition, Klopp has suggested Arteta may already have a solution in Albert Lokonga Sambi.

Lokonga was allowed to leave Arsenal on loan to join Luton last summer. He spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace after falling out of favour at the Emirates Stadium.

Lokonga excelling in the PL

The move to Luton was to provide Lokonga with some regular game-time and many fans thought it would lead to his permanent sale next summer.

He did not have a good start at Luton. For the majority of the first half of this season, he was out injured. However, Lokonga returned to action in December and has been a huge boost to the Hatters, who are fighting for Premier League survival. In the last few Luton games, he and Ross Barkley have stood out in the midfield.

The Belgian international has looked like a top-tier performer in the engine room, dictating proceedings. He is playing with so much confidence right now. His class is showing, and he starred during Luton’s recent defeat to Liverpool.

After the game, Klopp was quick to pick out Lokonga for praise and hinted he’s surprised he was allowed to leave Arsenal on loan.

“When you see Albert Sambi-Lokonga playing and you think, ‘Oh! He’s an Arsenal player, and they loaned him?’ Interesting.” as quoted by Football.London

Fortunately, the player himself is confident about returning to Arsenal and fighting for his spot. He not long ago stated on DH:

“I still consider myself an Arsenal player. I’m appreciated there by the fans and the staff. I think I can have a future at Arsenal, but that will depend on my performances here.

“I’ve always said that as long as I have a contract with the Gunners, I’d like to make my mark there.”

In 2021, Arsenal did not throw away the £15 million they invested to sign Lokonga. If Arteta is going to rebuild his midfield this summer, I don’t see why the Belgian shouldn’t play a significant role.

I’m not sure about you, but I believe the 24-year-old has acquired confidence and experience at Luton, and deserves a chance to play at Arsenal next season.