£17m Arsenal loanee opens up on future and admits he hasn’t spoken to Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is now thriving on loan at Premier League side Luton Town.

The 24-year-old joined Rob Edwards’ side in the summer, with his prospect of game time limited at the Emirates, and an injury initially disrupted his progress on loan.

However, he is now beginning to perform consistently well, and produced an excellent assist in his side’s shock 4-0 victory over Brighton.

Lokonga joined Arsenal for around £17m in 2021, but whilst he has shown glimpses of talent, it has not yet worked out for him under Mikel Arteta.

His strong form in the Premier League now is raising questions over his potential to succeed at the Emirates, and he has now opened up on his future.

Albert Sambi Lokonga opens up on Arsenal future

Speaking to Belgian outlet DH Sports, Lokonga admitted that he had not yet spoken to Mikel Arteta about his future.

“I think it’s too early to say. I haven’t had any contact with Mikel Arteta yet,” he stated of his future plans.

“I’m concentrating on Luton. We’ll talk to Arsenal at the end of the season. But everything will happen gradually. I still consider myself an Arsenal player.

“I’m appreciated there by the fans and the staff. I think I can have a future at Arsenal, but that will depend on my performances here.

“I’ve always said that as long as I have a contract with the Gunners, I’d like to make my mark there.”

Could Lokonga succeed at Arsenal?

Lokonga’s problems at Arsenal came when he was asked to cover for Thomas Partey at the base of midfield, when his strengths clearly lie on the ball rather than off it.

With Declan Rice joining in the summer, his presence could help unlock a more suitable role for Lokonga, where his passing ability could be allowed to shine.

However, there is fierce competition in the Arsenal midfield, and Lokonga’s lack of intensity off the ball, and his inferior creative skills to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, means that his prospects of game time will still be limited.

If Arsenal receive a significant offer in the summer, it would not be a surprise to see them accept it, in a similar sale to that of Joe Willock after an impressive loan spell at Newcastle.

Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders including Martin Zubimendi, and if they sign a player in Lokonga’s position in the summer, it will almost certainly point towards a permanent exit.