03 February 2023 , 07:22
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Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed that a phone call with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira convinced him to join Crystal Palace on loan.
Lokonga, 23, has spent the majority of the season playing second fiddle to Thomas Partey but dropped even further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal's deadline day capture of Jorginho.
And while the Belgium international admits he had reservations over a temporary switch to Selhurst Park, a conversation with Vieira, who clocked up over 400 appearances and won three Premier League titles during his time at Arsenal, convinced him to make the move to south London.
Reflecting on his decision to leave the Gunners, who are bidding to end an agonising 19-year title drought, he told club media: "It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] because as you can see they are top of the league, but for me the important thing was the confidence of the coach.
"I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives. He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it."
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Prior to his deadline day move, Lokonga had clocked up 15 appearances for the Gunners this season, but he had started just two games in the Premier League.
And Lokonga, who could be in line to make his Eagles debut against Manchester United on Saturday, has set his sights on getting as many minutes as possible under his belt between now and the end of the season.
Join the debate! Do you think Lokonga still has a long-term future at Arsenal? Let us know here.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has explained the reasons behind his deadline day move to Crystal Palace (Crystal Palace YouTube)He added: "I would like to gain some minutes – I want to go as far as possible with the team. I don’t want to say a number, but I will try to push me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top.
"I don’t want to speak about ranking; I just think we need to take it game by game. Try to win each game and that is how we will do something great.
"Today I have been a lot in the car moving from left to right, but I’m fully fit – I am ready to start if needed on Saturday in the game [against Manchester United]."
Lokonga featured 24 times for Arsenal last season after joining the Gunners in an £18million deal back in the summer of 2021. Crystal Palace are currently 12th in the Premier League and will be aiming to push on after bolstering their midfield options with Lokonga and fellow new recruit Naouirou Ahamada on deadline day.