‘I had a discussion with Arsenal’ – 24y/o reveals he has agreed to leave the Gunners this summer after talks | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed that he has agreed to leave the North London club this summer after he held talks with the decision-makers over his future.

The 24-year-old spent 2023-24 on loan at Luton Town, featuring in just 17 Premier League games due to injuries.

The Hatters finished 18th in the league table, with their relegation all but preventing them from signing the Arsenal man permanently.

Lokonga was told heading into 2023-24 that he was not in the plans of manager Mikel Arteta for the season, and he has now been told it is best for both parties to part ways permanently.

“For me, I had a discussion with Arsenal and the conclusion was the best thing for me was to leave the club,” the Belgium international told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“So now it’s up to my agent and the club to find something.

“I still have a contract there, one year plus one year option so let’s see what happens.”

Burnley were also keen on signing Lokonga on loan last summer but have also gotten relegated.

However, he will not be short of suitors following some impressive performances for Luton, for which he earned the praise of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The midfielder joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in July 2021, featuring in 24 games across all competitions at the end of his debut season.

Lokonga featured in 15 games in the first-half of 2022-23 before spending the second-half of the campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.

Arsenal have since strengthened their options in the middle park with the signings of Jorginho and Declan Rice, with the Italian signing a new contract earlier this month and the England international establishing himself as the best in his position in the Premier League.

Lokonga has played his last game for the Gunners from all indications, but he will be keen to remain in the Premier League and prove himself, and Arsenal will hope to make a decent fee when they finally cash in on him.