Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga has discussed what he wants to achieve during his time with Luton Town.
Albert Sambi Lokonga left Arsenal to join Luton Town on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day.
The Belgian midfielder is desperate for the chance to play regular Premier League football, and he was never going to get that with Arsenal this season. Had he stayed at the Emirates Stadium, he would have found himself behind Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and £105 million summer signing Declan Rice in the pecking order.
As such, Lokonga has made his way to Kenilworth Road, where he will expect to feature heavily for the Hatters throughout the campaign.
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Luton Town face a tough task in securing Premier League survival this season. Having surpassed all expectations and achieved promotion via the Championship play-offs last season, the club now find themselves to be huge underdogs in the top flight.
In any case, Lokonga will see this move as a great chance for him to show why Arsenal paid £17.2 million to sign him from Anderlecht in 2021.
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Lokonga shares details of Luton mission
The 23-year-old is eager to get going for Luton. As quoted by Luton Today, he said, “I have a contract with them [Arsenal], but first, I have one mission here, to be with the club. What I can bring to the team is that I am a guy who can help my team-mates with the ball and without the ball, by speaking with them, helping them with communication. I can’t wait to play, to feel the grass, to be there with my team-mates, to fight, to score goals, to enjoy, to suffer together.”
In terms of raw talent, Lokonga ought to quickly establish himself as one of the stand out players in the Luton squad. If he can find his best form, he has the capacity to become a star for them in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta will certainly be monitoring his progress keenly, seeking signs that the once-capped Belgium international can impress for Arsenal after this loan stint.
Even if it is decided that Lokonga has no long-term future with the north London club, sporting director Edu will be keen for Lokonga to do enough in this loan spell to help the Gunners attract a decent fee for him next summer.