Albert Sambi Lokonga is currently enjoying himself at Crystal Palace after joining on loan from Arsenal back in January.
The Belgium international has quickly asserted himself at Selhurst Park under Patrick Vieira, making four appearances in the Premier League for the south Londoners – two of those have been starts.
Now – thanks to The Times – the likelihood of Arsenal selling Lokonga has been revealed.
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that the Gunners are likely to sell the 23-year-old this summer as they attempt to improve their financial situation with sales.
Arsenal owe £180m from previous transfers – according to The Times – which will limit their summer spending, although the north Londoners aim to increase their budget through sales of players such as Kieran Tierney and Lokonga.
The Belgian arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Anderlecht in a £15m deal back in July 2021.
It is not said whether Arsenal would be happy to simply make that money back, or would be looking to make a significant profit on Lokonga, although it would seem a permanent sale is likely.
Crystal Palace must sign Lokonga from Arsenal
If the Gunners place a reasonable price tag on Lokonga’s head – something in the region of £25m or under – then Crystal Palace must be all over it.
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The Crystal Palace No.8 has slotted in seamlessly alongside Cheick Doucoure to bolster what was a very underwhelming midfield for Vieira in the first half of the campaign.
Both Doucoure and Lokonga are just 23 years of age, so if Vieira can sign the latter permanently, he would be giving his Crystal Palace side a fantastic midfield base for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, having already been stung by an inability to sign loan stars in the past, such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher, it could be third time lucky for Crystal Palace with Lokonga seemingly available.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Belgian’s situation this summer, as anything could happen.
In other news, Why Arsenal vs Everton Premier League clash is not on TV in the UK
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