Mikel Arteta set for unexpected U-turn on Arsenal flop - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 Feb 2024 16:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Albert Sambi Lokonga could be given a second chance at Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Belgian had a torrid time in England prior to this season, having failed to break through at Arsenal and also not impressing on loan at Crystal Palace. Lokonga, once a highly-rated young midfielder, was snapped up by the Gunners for a whopping €17.5 million in 2021, but his Arsenal career appeared over in the summer.

However, this term, he is on loan at promoted Luton Town and the 24-year-old has been given a new lease on life by the Hatters, who are exceeding expectations so far. Though not always a regular, Lokonga has given a good account of himself when he has played and this is good news not just for Luton.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have liked what they have seen from the Belgian so far and this could potentially prompt a surprising U-turn on his future. While previously thought to be a top candidate to get sold after his loan, perhaps there is hope for him yet at the Emirates.

Lokonga to stay at Arsenal?

“Albert Sambi Lokonga is starting to impress a lot in his loan spell at Luton Town and my understanding is that Arsenal believe they made right choice with this move,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“It hasn’t always been easy for Lokonga since moving to England, as he struggled in the Arsenal first team and also failed to make much of an impact in a previous loan spell at Crystal Palace."

“Still, it’s been a smart one by Edu who wanted Lokonga to stay in the Premier League and play on a regular basis. In the summer, Arsenal will assess the situation before making a decision; now they just want him to focus on the second half of the season at Luton.”