Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is undergoing a medical ahead of completing a loan move to Crystal Palace, football.london understands.
It was revealed this morning that the two London clubs had opened talks with regard to a temporary deal until the end of the season and an announcement shouldn't be too far away once the 23-year-old successfully completes a medical and all the formalities are taken care of by all parties.
Lokonga - who was a substitute against Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth-round tie last Friday - hasn't played much under Mikel Arteta this season and a switch to Selhurst Park should increase his game time as well as the opportunity to work under Gunners legend Patrick Vieira.
READ MORE: Jorginho sparks Arsenal division but Arteta has achieved non-negotiable January transfer mission
In truth, the Belgian - signed for £17million a couple of summers ago - has struggled for form and by the Arsenal manager's own admission is better equipped to play as one of the more advanced midfielders instead of operating as a number six: "It’s true that we played him more there in pre-season," the Spaniard said after the 1-0 win over FC Zurich back in November.
"When we signed him, we had another idea - but in pre-season, he developed and played well in that position. Having to rest Thomas today, I think it was a good option."
Lokonga's exit does come at a time where the north London outfit are short of options in midfield, especially after confirmation that Mohamed Elneny is facing an extended spell on the sidelines following knee surgery: "Following an injury sustained in a recent training session, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Mohamed Elneny has a significant injury to his right knee," a statement reads.
"Mo has had successful surgery in London and will be ruled out for an extended period of time. A more detailed timescale will be established once the early stages of rehabilitation have been completed. Everyone at the club will be offering Mo all the support he needs and working hard with him so he can return to action as soon as possible."
However, Arteta won't be revisiting the Lokonga experiment as cover for Thomas Partey as football.london understands that Arsenal have agreed a £12m deal with Chelsea to make Jorginho their third, and likely final, signing of the January transfer window after Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.
Already on deadline day, the Gunners have confirmed Marquinhos' and Omar Rekik's loan moves to Norwich City and Wigan Athletic respectively, so Lokonga's move is one of three further announcements to be made before the 11pm deadline when factoring in Jorginho's arrival and Cedric Soares' expected exit.
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