Arsenal have confirmed that midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season.
Lokonga joined the Gunners back in the summer of 2021, signing from Anderlecht for a fee in the region of £16 million after establishing himself as one of the Belgian Pro League's most exciting young talents. However, his time at the Emirates Stadium has been mixed.
The 23-year-old delivered solid performances during his debut campaign, excelling when deployed in a midfield pivot alongside Granit Xhaka. However, when Thomas Partey returned to full fitness, Lokonga struggled for game time and when he was utilised it was often at the base of a 4-3-3 setup, where the youngster struggled to make a meaningful impact.
READ MORE: Jorginho's Arsenal shirt number options as Edu agrees shock £12m January deadline day transfer
Now, the north Londoners have allowed him to link-up with former Arsenal captain and current Palance manager Patrick Vieira for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign, hoping that some consistent Premier League game time could help the player's development. Meanwhile, the Gunners have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign central midfielder Jorginho, football.london understands.
The Italian international will join Mikel Arteta's squad for a deal worth £10million in guaranteed fees with a further £2million in add-ons. He will sign a deal at the Emirates Stadium until the summer 2024, with the club holding the option of an extra year.
This comes after Arsenal failed to prise primary target Moises Caicedo away from Brighton, seeing bids of £60 million and £70 million rejected by the Seagulls.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal agree £12m Jorginho transfer as Brighton Moises Caicedo stance unchanged
Jorginho Arsenal shirt number 'leaked' as Edu agrees £12m Chelsea transfer on deadline day
Moises Caicedo to Arsenal transfer explained as Edu makes surprise Jorginho move
Arsenal cannot copy enviable but scattergun Brighton transfer strategy amid Moises Caicedo bid
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
