Arsenal head into the summer transfer window needing to fill those little details in order to win the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta has made some excellent signings during his time as manager and helped develop a number of young stars.
From the academy star Bukayo Saka to Arsenal’s club-record transfer Declan Rice. They have been tremendous for the club and they have all thrived under Arteta.
But there are some signings that just haven’t hit the right notes and decisions now need to be made about what to do with these players.
Several of these guys were still within the four walls of the Emirates this season, but many others were loaned out to different parts of Europe.
Albert Sambi Lokonga made the short trip to newly-promoted Luton Town and spent a season with the team and performed well despite their instant relegation.
The player himself, who signed for Arsenal for £17 million in 2021, has played 39 games in all competitions for the club.
But he recently admitted that his future lies away from Arsenal, although, he has been backed to be handed a new contract by Gab Marcotti.
The European football expert labelled Lokonga as a ‘defensive specialist’ and thinks he could provide cover for the midfield next season, as he told ESPN.
The Belgium star’s current deal expires in 2026 and Marcotti has backed Arsenal to hand him a new deal and give him another shot at first-team football.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future at Arsenal
“Where it gets a little bit more interesting is in central midfield,” said Marcotti. “They do have somebody on loan, who I think is worth mentioning.
“That’s Albert Lokonga. He is 24. Deal is up in 2026. I imagine he isn’t making a ton of money. I thought he did fine at Luton. I would extend him. I would extend his contract and I would have him there in the squad as a defensive specialist.
“I think Lokonga can give you the energy. He is already your player. I think he would relish another shot at the club.”
Albert Sambi Lonkonga should be sold
When Lokonga first joined Arsenal, they were still trying to get into the Champions League and they were nowhere near the level they are today.
He couldn’t break into that Arsenal team, so now that they have gone up a few levels, you have to question and doubt if he is good enough.
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Arteta isn’t at a stage where he needs cover. He needs to bring in full-blown first-team stars to take the team to the next level.
Rice is a prime example and, let’s be honest, Lokonga isn’t on his level, so it’s best if he is sold and moved on this summer.
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