Arsenal could be set for a big few days in terms of outgoings, as Folarin Balogun continues to be linked with a move to AS Monaco, and he could be joined by one of his teammates.
Monaco are the current front-runners for Balogun’s signature, and they are expected to launch another bid for the forward, having had one rejected earlier in the transfer window.
Football.London has now reported that Monaco are also considering a move for Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian is not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, and a number of clubs are considering a move for him including Premier League side Brighton.
Whether this would be a loan or a permanent move remains to be seen, but with Arsenal struggling to shift their unwanted players so far, this interest from Monaco could make both deals easier.
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Why do Monaco want Lokonga?
Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana is wanted by a number of Premier League sides including Nottingham Forest, and perhaps Lokonga is being viewed as a replacement for him.
Although it has not worked out for him at Arsenal, he is a player who has the tools to improve in the future, and club legend Michael Thomas even called him “extremely talented.”
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Lokonga is tidy on the ball and has good technique, but his lack of intensity off the ball meant he struggled to play in Mikel Arteta’s system, and he may fare better in a different league with a team more suited to his style.
His loan to Crystal Palace in the second half of last season started out well, but the surprise sacking of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira meant he lost his first-team spot, and his future is now up in the air.
Arsenal’s depth in midfield, particularly after the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, means that Lokonga has no chance of any significant game time this season should he stay, and a loan or permanent transfer would be the best move for him.