Yannick Bolasie delivers seven-word verdict on Arsenal signing Albert Sambi Lokonga

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Yannick Bolasie has had his say on Arsenal completing the signing of Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on a long-term contract.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old for a long time now. He has been a very serious target of Edu and Mikel Arteta and it’s nice to finally see him complete his transfer and take part in training with the Arsenal squad this evening.

Lokonga has been one of Anderlecht’s most impressive players over the last two years. His performances as a youngster drew comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, which is immense praise for someone who has only ever played in Belgium

Yannick Bolasie: Albert Sambi Lokonga is ‘the link man’

The 21-year-old now has the chance to show the world what he’s all about in the toughest league in the world. Arsenal fans can’t wait to see him in action, and it looks like Bolasie is keeping a close eye on things as well.

The former Everton and Crystal Palace man knows Lokonga fairly well having played together in Belgium. Bolasie, now a free agent, spent six months at Anderlecht in 2019, and he has had his say on the Arsenal new boy on Instagram.

Is Lokonga Arsenal’s new ‘link man’?

Lokonga is unlikely to be rushed into playing every single game, but whenever he is given the nod, he’s expected to feature in the number six role alongside Thomas Partey in the middle of the park.

The Belgian has all the characteristics to succeed in that role and he suits Arsenal’s system fairly well. He is very good defensively, his tackling is absolutely fantastic, but his most impressive trait is his ball progression.

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Lokonga is brilliant in possession. He has the ability to drive into the opposition half as well as receive the ball from the back and unleash our attackers with a through ball.

He could well be the ‘link man’ we need between defence and attack, but he’ll need a lot of time to settle in, and Arsenal fans should be patient with him as he’s nowhere near the finished product just yet.