Arsenal legend Martin Keown is backing Albert Sambi Lokonga’s proposed deadline day move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta.
In an ideal world, Nuno Tavares will not be the only forgotten man packing his bags and leaving the Emirates before the close of play on Friday. Nicolas Pepe – the £72 million misfit – has no future at Arsenal either. Ditto Albert Sambi Lokonga; loaned out to Crystal Palace in January and now behind the likes of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jorginho in Arteta’s pecking order.
Lokonga, a former Anderlecht captain, joined Arsenal for £15 million back in 2021.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reports that Luton have submitted a loan bid for the one-time Belgium international. Though, like with Tavares (who has a £12 million option-to-buy clause in his Nottingham Forest contract), Arsenal may want some assurances over a future permanent deal for a player who has started only 14 league games for the Gunners.
Albert Sambi Lokonga may leave Arsenal for Luton Town
Keown, meanwhile, believes this is a deal which could suit all parties down to the ground. Lokonga leaves Arsenal for regular first-team football. And a Luton side short of proven Premier League talent add a potential difference-maker to their very ‘EFL’ heavy squad.
“He certainly wasn’t (a favourite at Arsenal),” Keown tells talkSPORT (1 September, 10.30am) of Lokonga.
“Luton have spent a small amount of money. I am a bit concerned for them. If you look at the teams who have gone up, there is a massive gulf in class.
“So that’s a good signing.”
Lokonga has not featured at all for Arsenal so far in 2023/24.
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