31 January 2023 , 22:18
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Albert Sambi Lokonga was tipped for big things after joining Arsenal - but the young Belgian midfielder will continue his development away from the Emirates for the next few months.
Lokonga joined the Gunners from Anderlecht in an £18million deal back in the summer of 2021 but has struggled to nail down a regular spot in Mikel Arteta's first-team plans. And after a last-gasp deal for Chelsea playmaker Jorginho materialised on deadline day, Lokonga was given the green light to head out on loan by the Premier League leaders.
The 22-year-old will now spend the remainder of the season with Crystal Palace - under the guidance of a bonafide Arsenal legend.
Patrick Vieira is the man currently at the helm in south London, but he made his name on the other side of the capital.
The French enforcer clocked up over 400 appearances for Arsenal and won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. If anybody knows what it takes to be a top midfielder for the Gunners, then it's Vieira.
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And that could bode well for Lokonga, who has failed to make an impression when deputising for Arsenal this season.
His modest impact in north London hasn't matched up to the glowing endorsement he was given by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. The current Burnley boss was bowled over by the youngster during his stint at Anderlecht - and even recommended Lokonga to Arteta.
Join the debate! Do you think Lokonga still has a long-term future at Arsenal? Let us know here.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has failed to make an impression at Arsenal and will spend the rest of the season on loan at Crystal Palace (Getty Images)Speaking about Lokonga back in 2021, Kompany told Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel ‘FIVE’: "The first thing I did when I saw Sambi is I went to Mikel and also Pep, but Mikel first and said: 'You got to watch this guy, he’s the new Yaya Toure'. Anyway, nothing comes off it, he’s got a cruciate ligament [injury].
"Then I fall into the management job at Anderlecht, so I’m working with him. I had the same conversation with Mikel and I believe the same thing now. I’m not sure I’m doing him a favour saying this stuff, but look, you know what I like about Sambi, what Yaya did have, is, he wants the ball no matter what."
Although Lokonga has failed to live up to that comparison, his chances of reaching his full potential will be boosted by regular football. And he stressed that he was eager to make the most of his opportunity to impress in the capital after the move was confirmed.
Lokonga told Crystal Palace's official website: "I’m really excited – I can’t wait to get started. I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I want to go as far as possible with the team. I will try to push for me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top."