£150m Arsenal vision could see Crystal Palace sign Lokonga permanently – Our View

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Crystal Palace completed the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan from Arsenal along with a permanent deal for Naouirou Ahamada on deadline day.

The south Londoners were unable to agree any option or obligation to buy the Belgium international at the end of the season, with Mikel Arteta unwilling to give Patrick Vieira that opportunity.

As a result, some Crystal Palace fans are agitated about the prospect of Lokonga following in the footsteps of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who both shone on loan at Selhurst Park, but were unable to join permanently.

However, in this instance, the Eagles may have a decent chance to sign Lokonga on a permanent basis if he impresses.

What’s the story?

Well, according to Football London, Arsenal want to sign both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo in the summer as the Gunners attempt to overhaul their midfield department.

The Telegraph believe Rice can leave for £70m as he has no intention of signing a new contract at West Ham.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports believe Brighton want £80m for Caicedo.

The £150m double deal is an ambitious vision for Arteta, but certainly not unrealistic as the Gunners sit top of the Premier League.

If Arsenal do manage to sign both Rice and Caicedo – or even just one – then it would boost Crystal Palace’s chances of signing Lokonga permanently.

In truth, even the mere fact that Arsenal want two new midfielders – having already signed Jorginho – suggests Arteta is unsure if the Belgian has a future at the Emirates Stadium, after some underwhelming performances so far this season.

Arsenal sending Lokonga to Crystal Palace was smart

In our view, sending Lokonga to work with Vieira – one of the greatest midfielders of his generation – was a wise move.

The 23-year-old is a talented technician, although he lacks defensive awareness, which is crucial for a midfielder to have at the top level.

Vieira was one of the best around when it came to getting stuck in and protecting his backline, so the 46-year-old should be able to have a significant impact on Lokonga’s development.