Gary Neville thinks Arsenal have an ‘outstanding’ talent, he can save Arteta millions

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Gary Neville was blown away by the performance that Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga produced for Luton Town against Manchester United on Sunday.

Arsenal will certainly be pleased with the recent progress that Albert Sambi Lokonga has made during his loan stint away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Belgian midfielder joined newly-promoted Luton Town on a season-long loan deal back in the summer. However, after an unfortunate injury sustained early on in the campaign, it was quite a while before was able to find his feet in Rob Edward’s team.

Now, though, Lokonga has started in the Hatters’ last 8 Premier League matches, and looks to be gaining confidence with each passing week. He is clearly thriving with the responsibility and authority he has in the the team. Luton manager Edwards has certainly been seriously impressed by Lokonga.

Although Luton Town lost narrowly against Manchester United at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, they will still have won many admirers with their approach to the match, as they showed great commitment, plenty of passion, and a willingness to get the ball down and really play. Lokonga himself epitomised all those elements of the Luton performance.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was seriously impressed by Lokonga’s performance against the Red Devils, stating on Sky Sports, “he’s been really good, Lokonga. We talked before the game about Ross Barkley. But Lokonga’s been outstanding.”

Albert Sambi Lokonga could solve summer problem for Arsenal

Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on Lokonga throughout his time at Luton, and have been impressed by the development in his game. After the Gunners paid £17.2 million to sign the 24-year-old from Anderlecht in the summer of 2021, he struggled to settle in Mikel Arteta’s side, despite plenty of first team opportunities. 

The talent was clearly always there, though, and now Lokonga looks to have at last got to grips with the Premier League and found a way to impose himself on matches. This development may well alter the Gunners’ plans for the once-capped Belgium international. 

Arsenal are currently on the verge of a major midfield overhaul, as there is a real possibility that Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny will all depart from the north London club in this coming summer transfer window. Arsenal sporting director Edu has already drawn up a shortlist of candidates to come in and form a new-look midfield contingent at the Emirates Stadium, but an internal solution would be a welcome way of addressing the problem to some extent. 

If Lokonga continues to perform and impress for Luton as he has in recent weeks, he may well find himself in Arteta’s plans for next season. If that becomes the case, he would save Arsenal millions, as he would represent one less midfielder that they actually need to sign.