Arsenal loan star confident over future as John Barnes dismisses title hopes

20 February 2024 , 04:00

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Arsenal kept up their impressive scoring form at the weekend as they hit Burnley for five - just six days after beating West Ham United 6-0.

It means the Gunners are just two points off top spot heading into the business end of the season. Trophies are a must for Mikel Arteta after some near misses and heavy investment in the squad. Arsenal will resume their Champions League ambitions on Tuesday night after several months away.

The north Londoners take on Porto in Portugal in the first-leg of their last 16 tie. Arsenal are fancied to go deep in Europe as they look to juggle several competitions.

Here's the latest from the Emirates.

Lokonga confident of Arsenal future

Albert Sambi Lokonga insists he hasn't spoken to Arteta whilst on loan at Luton Town but believes he can still make a mark in north London. The Belgian has now had several loan spells away after failing to establish himself as a starter.

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His performances have continued to impress however and his display against Manchester United was further proof of his potential.

“I think it’s too early to say [what the future holds],” Lokonga told DH. “I haven’t had any contact with Mikel Arteta yet. I’m concentrating on Luton. We’ll talk to Arsenal at the end of the season.

“But everything will happen gradually. I still consider myself an Arsenal player. I’m appreciated there by the fans and the staff. I think I can have a future at Arsenal, but that will depend on my performances here. I’ve always said that as long as I have a contract with the Gunners, I’d like to make my mark there.”

Albert Sambi Lokonga has furthered his profile at Luton (George Wood/Getty Images)

Mbappe 'signs with Real'

Kylian Mbappe has put pen to paper on a mega-money five-year deal with Real Madrid after confirming he will leave PSG, according to reports.

The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and was expected to leave Paris on a free, which he confirmed last week. Real Madrid have long been tipped as his next destination, while Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest. It now looks as if Mbappe is closing in on a switch to the Bernabeu.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Mbappe has already signed his contract with Los Blancos. His deal will run until the summer of 2029 and it is understood they are willing to make him their highest-paid player.

John Barnes thinks it is Liverpool or Man City for the title (PA)

Barnes dismisses Arsenal chances

John Barnes believes the title race is a two-team battle as he dismissed Arsenal's chances. That is despite the Gunners sitting two points off leaders Liverpool and ahead of Manchester City, albeit they've played a game more. Arteta's side are aiming to end a two decade wait for a league success.

Barnes claims that Arsenal have to be on top form to land themselves three points - unlike their rivals. He told Premier League Productions: "‘Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now, I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool winning [this weekend] is going to put the pressure on. Man City will handle that pressure.

"City won’t get nervous that Liverpool are getting away from them because they are such an incredible team. Liverpool playing first will affect Arsenal but not Man City."

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