Klopp questions MAJOR Arsenal transfer decision

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 20 Feb 2024 17:12 GMT
• 3 min read

Jurgen Klopp has seemingly questioned Arsenal’s decision to loan out Albert Sambi Lokonga to Luton Town for the 2023-24 season.

Lokonga, 24, made just 15 appearances for the Gunners last campaign and was loaned to Crystal Palace in January 2023 following his limited involvement during the first-half of the year.

The Belgian midfielder dropped even further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium after Kai Havertz’s arrival from Chelsea last summer and he was sent on a season-long loan deal to Luton on Deadline Day.

After a slow start to life under Rob Edwards, Lokonga has become a mainstay in recent weeks and he shone during their unfortunate defeat against Manchester United on Sunday, with Gary Neville describing his performance as “outstanding.”

The Red Devils legend isn’t the only person who has been impressed by Lokonga’s recent form, however, with Klopp also an admirer.

Liverpool are set to face Luton on Wednesday evening and Klopp spoke about Lokonga during his pre-match press conference, with the Reds boss seemingly questioning Arsenal’s decision to loan him out for the season.

Klopp said: “When you see Albert Sambi-Lokonga playing and you think… oh! He’s an Arsenal player and they loaned him? Interesting.”

Jurgen Klopp heaps praise on Ross Barkley

In addition to his comments about Lokonga, Klopp also spoke about former Chelsea and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who has enjoyed a career revival at Kenilworth Road this season.

The 30-year-old spent last season at Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, but he mustered just nine league starts in France and jumped at the opportunity to join Luton in 2023.

This season, Barkley has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers, something Klopp was eager to point out to the media. “Ross Barkley is a nice story where he is back to his best, or better,” the Liverpool boss said. “A deeper role, disciplined and extremely strong.”

Barkley has three goals and three assists in 19 Premier League games for Luton so far this season, with all six of his goal involvements coming since the start of December.