Arsenal could be set to sell several fringe players this summer, and a number of players out on loan have not done enough to earn another chance.
The likes of Charlie Patino and Kieran Tierney have spent the season elsewhere, but failed to show Mikel Arteta why they deserve to be in the Arsenal first-team going forward, and could prove to be profitable sales.
Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga faces a similar situation, as he is currently on loan at Luton Town FC, where he has thrived at times in their maiden Premier League campaign under Rob Edwards.
However, it still seems unlikely that Lokonga will have a future under Arteta, and the player himself may now recognise the need to leave permanently this summer.
Albert Sambi Lokonga may be keen on Arsenal exit this summer
A report from The Evening Standard has highlighted that Lokonga may be keen on a fresh challenge, so that he can to move to a club where he has a long-term future and the prospect of regular game time.
“Lokonga, who is on loan at Luton, will discuss his future with Arsenal when he returns – but he is likely to be tempted by the prospect of regular football elsewhere,” the report stated.
The 24-year-old joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 for around £15m, and he made just 39 appearances for the club before embarking on different loan spells away.
Where did it go wrong for Albert Sambi Lokonga at Arsenal?
Lokonga has shone at times with Luton, but injuries have curtailed what was otherwise shaping up to be a promising campaign from him.
It was a similar story in his loan spell during the second half of last season at Crystal Palace. He started well under Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, but following his sacking, he fell down the pecking order, and could not put together a run of games.
At Arsenal, he was asked to play at the base of midfield as cover for Thomas Partey, but his lack of intensity off the ball makes him more suited to a number eight role, where his strong passing skills and vision can shine.
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Arsenal are set to recruit in the midfield department this summer, and an already competitive midfield roster is set to become even stronger, meaning there will simply be no room for him to come back and be given a fair chance, and a permanent exit will be best for all parties.
