Former Arsenal duo are causing new club problems after being axed by Mikel Arteta

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Two of Arsenal’s summer departures are causing their new manager quite a headache early in their careers at their new club.

Deadline day was a busy time for Arsenal, who sanctioned six departures, five of which were on loan.

One of those to depart on loan was Fabio Vieira, who joined Bundesliga club Hamburg.

Vieira wasn’t the only one to make the trip to Hamburg, as Albert Sambi Lokonga left Arsenal permanently to sign for the German outfit.

The two players are now options for Merlin Polzin in midfield, but the manager is quickly learning that it’s actually set to cause problems.

• READ MORE: Ranking all eight Arsenal summer transfer signings from Viktor Gyokeres to Eberechi Eze

Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga give Hamburg a selection headache

Lokonga’s sale price to Hamburg was outrageously poor, particularly after showing how promising he was on loans at both Luton Town and Sevilla.

Arsenal parted ways with the Belgian, with him now competing for a starting spot alongside Vieira in Germany.

Reacting to Hamburg’s recent defeat to RB Leipzig, Kicker were full of praise for Lokonga, but noted that the former Arsenal man’s form might actually cause problems. 

That’s because of how similarly encouraging Vieira has been, with Polzin now having the issue of choosing between the two players.

Kicker described the situation as a ‘luxury problem’ for Hamburg to have, with the German club clearly enjoying having the two former Gunners in their ranks.

Vieira doesn’t have a future at Arsenal despite only being on loan, and now has a challenge on his hands to outperform his former Emirates teammate to ensure he impresses with the next chapter of his career at stake.

Lokonga starred for Hamburg against RB Leipzig

There was a time when Lokonga was backed to become the next Yaya Toure, but it was never going to happen for the 25-year-old at Arsenal. 

As talented as the midfielder is, Mikel Arteta sought players of a different profile, opening the Belgian up to depart for good.

Though Lokonga’s time at Arsenal was tough, it’s clear to see that the 2021 signing is finally finding a place to flourish at Hamburg.

Against Leipzig, Lokonga was Hamburg’s best player, not only because he scored during the fixture.

The former Arsenal player was instrumental in the middle of the park, misplacing only four passes and creating two chances.

Hamburg are enjoying having Lokonga fit and ready to contribute, with the only qualm being how Polzin fits the summer arrival alongside Vieira.