Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has said he has no regrets joining the north London club last summer despite a lack of minutes that could see the youngster miss out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with HLN, the Belgian youngster revealed that he snapped at international manager Roberto Martinez for not selecting him in the Red Devils’ 30-man provisional squad for the September break, with Lokonga believing that a lack of minutes with Arsenal is the cause for his omission.
Lokonga has made nine appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, yet the former R.S.C. Anderlecht talent has only started five games in total, with Mikel Arteta settled on a midfield three of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard when the trio are all 100% fit.
Signed last year for a reported £17m according to BBC Sport, the 22-year-old is very much viewed by Arsenal as a long-term investment, with Lokonga’s role in the squad still yet to be defined. However, despite not playing that many minutes, the midfielder is seemingly happy in north London.
Whilst there have been claims from the likes of CalcioMercatoWeb that Juventus and AC Milan are interested in Lokonga, it appears that the youngster is committed to Arsenal for the time being, with the midfielder eager to continue his development under Mikel Arteta.
Lokonga said on his playing situation: “I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could play somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me. I develop better with 20 minutes of playing time at Arsenal than always playing elsewhere but always winning with 3 or 4-0.”
Lokonga’s time will come despite lack of minutes with Arsenal
Lokonga’s Arsenal career has been quite an unusual one. Whilst the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu have become established first-teamers from the 2021 summer transfer window, the 22-year-old midfielder is seemingly still trying to find his feet in north London, yet these quotes should offer the Gunners solace over his future.
After all, Lokonga was linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer. However, the midfielder’s newest comments seem to suggest that he is willing to fight for a spot and to ensure that he is a long-term option for the club with the likes of Partey and Xhaka heading into their thirties.
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