Luton Town are in negotiations with Arsenal’s 23-year-old midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for a season-long loan with the Gunners ready to accept as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Sambi Lokonga to Leave the Emirates on Loan to Luton Town
Luton Town have asked for Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan, club director Gary Sweet confirms to Sky. 🟠🇧🇪 #AFC
Negotiations ongoing with player side as Arsenal happy to accept. pic.twitter.com/PLosRoNUE6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023
Arsenal Happy with the Deal
Despite Luton entering negotiations for the Gunners’ midfielder late on deadline day, Arsenal do not have a problem with Lokonga exiting the club on loan. The exciting young talent had a good season with Arsenal in the 2021/22 campaign playing in 19 of the Gunners’ Premier League matches. However, he has since fallen down the pecking order with the arrivals of Jorginho and Declan Rice.
Lokonga had a disappointing loan spell at Crystal Palace for the second half of last season where he only made nine appearances. Since returning to the North London club in the summer, the Belgium midfielder has failed to make the squad for any of Arsenal’s three opening matches.
Watch: DEADLINE DAY LIVESTREAM – Covering All the Biggest News and Updates
Negotiations Ongoing With Lokonga
The newly promoted side still need to convince Lokonga that Kenilworth Road Stadium is the right destination for him. Lokonga, who has been on Brighton’s list for the majority of the window, may wish for a more permanent destination and not to be loaned out for the second season running.
However with the clock running out of time on deadline day, if the 23-year-old is going to get any minutes in the Premier League this season, then Kenilworth Road Stadium may be his best bet.
Big Opportunity for Lokonga
Contrary to many who have assumed Luton Town will be returning to the Championship next season, the Hatters have invested well in this window with the likes of Tim Krul, Marvelous Nakamba, Tahith Chong, and Ross Barkley all arriving.
Combine this with Kenilworth Road Stadium finally being given the green light to host Premier League matches and Luton may well be a force to be reckoned with. Adding Lokonga to the mix whom Premier Legend Vincent Kompany once branded “The Next Yaya Toure” and Luton Town could well be on their way to a successful season.
Featured Image: Lloyd Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0.
