Crystal Palace are reportedly set to make a surprise loan offer to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, with the 23-year-old Belgian tipped to depart north London on a temporary deal.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Eagles have been long-term admirers of Lokonga and were even interested in signing the midfielder before his £17m move to Arsenal in 2021. And now, Palace are looking to bring in the youngster on loan until the end of the season.
Lokonga has struggled for both form and regular minutes at Arsenal this season, with the former R.S.C. Anderlecht star seeing the majority of his playing time coming in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cup competitions, with many supporters open to seeing the midfielder leave on loan.
With Arsenal also fighting hard to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, letting Lokonga leave on loan for Palace could be a wise decision from the Gunners, especially with the midfielder learning under a club legend in Eagles manager Patrick Vieira.
Palace signing Lokonga could be a great deal for all parties
Lokonga has looked out of place at Arsenal for the majority of the season, and with the Gunners expected to sign a midfielder today, there’s a good chance that the Belgian’s playing time will be reduced even further in the coming months, which is why a loan move to Palace makes a lot of sense.
Under Vieira, the midfielder will be learning from one of the very best to play the game in the Premier League as well as represent a club where loan signings have shined in recent years, with Lokonga also having the quality to succeed in the division with the right coach and system.
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