Mikel Arteta told Wednesday’s press conference – as per the Arsenal website – that Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to prove himself in an Arsenal shirt, amid reports emerging this week he could be used in a player-plus-cash deal.
Lokonga, 23, has struggled since joining Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021. He has managed just 34 appearances in almost a season and a half, starting only 22 times. This season, he has only started two Premier League games.
Italian outlet CMW claim that Arsenal are willing to part ways with Lokonga. The report claims they are desperate to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and are ready to include Lokonga in a deal to bring the price down.
Arteta was asked about his thoughts on Lokonga. His comments suggest that Lokonga is yet to prove his worth in an Arsenal shirt, urging him to show more in terms of form. It might be, that Lokonga could leave Arsenal at some point.
“We’ll see more. He has to prove that what he’s asking for he can produce. We’re looking for every player to raise their level and get the right competition. When you perform in a way that we win and play well enough to win games.”
Lokonga yet to prove himself at Arsenal amid player-plus-cash reports
Lokonga has little chance of making it at Arsenal. Thomas Partey is first choice in a system that incorporates only one holding midfielder. Granit Xhaka is likely to be next up in that role, if Partey is missing. Mo Elneny is also an option.
Xhaka is playing further forward of late, even earning comparisons with Kevin De Bruyne because of his goals. Elneny is arguably behind Lokonga in the pecking order. But at his age, he needs to be playing regular football.
At this stage, it might be that Lokonga might be better off looking for a new club. Perhaps on loan. But if Arsenal want to sign Milinkovic-Savic, then Lokonga may be part of a deal. A move to Lazio might benefit Lokonga enormously.
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