‘You don’t want him around’: Arsenal told it’s a ‘concern’ £17m star is still at the club

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Charles Watts says it’s a ‘concern’ that Albert Sambi Lokonga is still at Arsenal despite suggestions that he was going to join Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. 

The Arsenal transfer expert added that there were ‘certainly talks’ happening between the London club and the newly-promoted side.

But, as of this moment, Albert Sambi Lokonga is still at Arsenal and Watts thinks that’s a ‘concern’ because it’s hurting his development, as he told his own YouTube channel.

The 23-year-old moved to the Emirates in 2021 for £17 million (BBC Sport) and there were high expectations on his shoulders.

But the midfield technician hasn’t been able to improve in an Arsenal side that has gone up a level under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta.

Less than two weeks remain before the 2023 summer transfer window slams shut, as Watts now questions if Lokonga will leave.

“It makes perfect sense (for Lokonga to join Burnley),” said Watts. “It’s a move I expected to happen.

“There were certainly talks going on about it happening. But it’s not moved forward yet. That is a concern with (less than 2 weeks to go).

“Burnley have done other transfer business as well, they have brought in a midfielder this summer, so whether this is something that will happen in the closing stages, we will have to wait and see.

“This felt like quite an easy deal to do. I do wonder if it’s not going to happen now. He needs to move on. You don’t want Sambi Lokonga around the squad this season because it’s going to do his development no good.”

Premier League too quick for Lokonga

This is a case of the player making the move too early during his career, although, it’s easy saying that in hindsight. 

During the games that Lokonga has played, including his loan spell at Crystal Palace, the game in England’s top-flight seems to be one step ahead of him.

He does need to start a new chapter in his career, perhaps out of England’s top-flight, where he can start again and return as a much tougher figure down the line.