Arsenal look set to bolster their transfer kitty this summer by making a big push to offload some of the players on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
From the outside, there looks set to be question marks over the future of the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah.
Arsenal came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title this past year, so it would be no surprise to see the Gunners trim down their squad and then bring in a handful of marquee signings, as they did last year with the additions of David Raya, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
In fact, one Arsenal player has already confirmed that he has held talks with the club about this summer being the right time to leave the Emirates.
Arsenal player has already spoken to club about leaving this summer
Albert Sambi Lokonga‘s stock is probably higher right now than at any other point in his Arsenal career, with the midfielder impressing in the second-half of this past season on loan with Luton.
His move to Kenilworth Road appeared to signal that the ship had sailed for the Belgian at Arsenal, but Lokonga was ‘superb’ for Luton as they fought to stay in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp was one of those impressed by the former Anderlecht captain.
Lokonga has now confirmed that he feels that the time is right to leave Arsenal. But perhaps that could prove to be a mistake if the Gunners now allow the 24-year-old to go.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has surely done enough to earn pre-season chance
There are question marks over the future of Thomas Partey at Arsenal. Given that Mikel Arteta is able to shift Declan Rice around, the Gunners have options when it comes to what kind of midfielder they sign this summer.
But perhaps Lokonga could save them some money in this window, particularly if he is able to raise his game back amongst better players.
Lokonga is someone Vincent Kompany has previously labelled the new Yaya Toure. And, while he has a huge amount of work to do before he gets anywhere near that level, he started to show a lot more of what he could do while with Luton.
At the very least, Arteta should surely be prepared to have a look at the £17 million man in pre-season in the hope that he can improve when working closely with Rice and Jorginho.
Perhaps the situation could change if a club offers Arsenal a chance to make their money back on Lokonga, but surely there is little risk in keeping him around and seeing if next year can finally be his breakout season at Arsenal.