Forgotten Arsenal man suddenly spotted in pre-season training despite publicly saying he wants to leave

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Arsenal have started their pre-season ahead of the start of the new campaign.

The Gunners finished second in the Premier League table for the third consecutive year last term, and Mikel Arteta would love nothing more than to take his side one step further in 2025/26.

Many of Arsenal’s big stars like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and William Saliba were back at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday, while new signings Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga were involved as well.

One unexpected player also featured in training, much to many fans’ surprise.

Albert Sambi Lokonga spotted in pre-season Arsenal training

Albert Sambi Lokonga has entered the final year of his Arsenal contract.

The Belgian joined the Gunners from Anderlecht in the summer of 2021, and he impressed many people early on in his career at the Emirates.

However, Lokonga has since been sent on loan three times, and it is clear as day that he has no future at Arsenal.

In fact, Lokonga has admitted himself that he wants to leave Arsenal and join Sevilla permanently, but the Spanish side haven’t triggered their option to sign him.

On Tuesday, the midfielder posted a message on his Instagram Story saying: “Let’s go into pre-season more focused than ever. We don’t know what the next season holds yet.”

Now, just a day later, pictures released by Arsenal show Lokonga back in the club’s colours. He trained with the team at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday.

Albert Sambi Lokonga may have a new squad number at Arsenal

When Lokonga signed for Arsenal, he was given the number 23 shirt.

The Belgian midfielder made his Gunners debut with that on his back, and he kept that until he was sent out on loan for the first time.

That number remained vacant until the summer of 2024, when Mikel Merino took over the number 23 shirt.

On his return to pre-season training, the number 28 can be seen on Lokonga’s training attire. Joe Willock last owned that number before he was sold to Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal will reserve that number for Lokonga until he is moved on.