Burnley Leading Race to Sign Arsenal Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga

According to reports in England, Burnley are leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on a season-long loan deal. There has been interest from clubs outside England, but a move to a Premier League club seems the most likely option.

Lokonga’s time in England hasn’t been much fruitful so far. He has failed to gain enough game-time since he made his move to the Emirates. He has fallen down the pecking order and the North London side are looking to balance their finances by moving fringe players on.

The Belgian spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace. However, the move did not turn out well for the midfielder due to a change in managerial position during his loan spell. Nevertheless, there is still belief that he has the potential to succeed in the English top-flight and therefore, another move could be on the cards.

According to The Telegraph, Burnley are involved in talks with Arsenal to sign Albert Sambi Lokonga on a season-long loan deal. The deal, which might possibly include a mandatory buy option, will reunite the Belgian midfielder with his former coach Vincent Kompany.

Vincent Kompany helped the Clarets win the Championship last season and gain promotion to the Premier League. The pair worked together at Anderlecht where the 23-year-old midfielder has had the best time of his career yet. It is possible that the reunion of Vincent Kompany and Albert Sambi Lokonga at Burnley could work out for both parties.

🚨 @skysports_sheth: “I think the focus is going to be on departures now, and particularly players like Nuno Tavares. He is attracting interest from the Bundesliga in Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen. With Albert Sambi Lokonga, Burnley remain in talks with Arsenal over trying to sign… pic.twitter.com/xf63hnNAKF

— afcsphere (@afcsphere) August 16, 2023

Moreover, the addition of Declan Rice to the squad has diminished the Belgian’s chances to feature for the club even further. It is only sensible for him to explore other alternatives and it looks like a move to Turf Moor is the best option as of now. On the other hand, the Gunners can also free up some space in their wage bill after a spending spree this summer.

Why Does a Loan Move to Burnley for Albert Sambi Lokonga Make the Most Sense for Arsenal?

Albert Sambi Lokonga was tipped to accomplish big things when he left Anderlecht to join Arsenal for £18 million in 2021. However, that did not turn out the way many wanted it to. The 23-year-old failed to start ahead of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka on a regular basis. It was evident that a loan move was the only solution left.

Patrick Vieira wanted the Belgian when he was in charge at Crystal Palace. The loan move materialised and the youngster was getting regular minutes under the Frenchman. However, following Vieira’s dismissal shortly after, Roy Hodgson took over as the manager of Palace and the midfielder failed to win the new manager’s heart.

Vincent Kompany has improved the Burnley side massively and is very keen to reunite with Albert Sambi Lokonga. The former Manchester City captain can help the youngster to finally get going in the Premier League and realise his true potential.

Moreover, the Gunners can monitor his growth closely to have a clearer answer to whether he is suited to the Premier League or not. Moreover, this is a crucial age for the young midfielder to develop and he would not want to spend most of it on a bench.

Meanwhile, the future of midfielder Thomas Partey is uncertain at the Emirates. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may look at the Belgium international in the future as a long-term replacement if he succeeds under Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor.

Nevertheless, a loan move for the 23-year-old midfielder to Burnley will help the North London side relax their wage bill and allow them to make a move for one more signing before the transfer window closes on September 1.

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