Arsenal complete second summer transfer as Albert Sambi Lokonga joins from Anderlecht

Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht on a long-term contract. The 21-year-old midfielder came through the Belgian club’s youth system after joining in 2014 as a 15-year-old. Lokonga signed his first professional contract in November 2017, making his first-team debut for Anderlecht in December 2017. The midfielder has been a regular in their side over the past two seasons, making a total of 78 appearances.

The Belgium Under-21 international was called up at senior level in March 2021, when he was an unused substitute against Greece. Lokonga will join up with his new teammates in the coming days, after he has completed the current isolation regulations for international arrivals into the UK. The midfielder will wear the No 23 shirt and have the name Sambi on the back.

“It’s a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it’s going to be my first big move to another country. It’s a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I’m looking to play in this league and I can’t wait to start. I can play both (box to box or a more attacking role). I can play as a six and I can play like a box to box, but people say that I’m better in the six position,” said Lokonga as quoted by Arsenal’s official website.

“It was really great to work with Henry”

The midfielder played under legendary Arsenal footballer Thierry Henry while representing Belgium, terming the experience as a great one.

“It’s very great, very great. It was really great [to work with Henry in the Belgian national team]. A great experience because in the few times I was with him on the pitch I learnt a lot, so it was a really great experience. I think it’s a good thing for me because Thierry Henry was a legend over here,” added Lokonga.

Technical director Edu expressed his delight after Lokonga signed for the English giants, terming the strength he will bring in the centre of midfield as a major factor.

“We are delighted Albert has signed with us”

“We are delighted Albert has signed with us, as there was a lot of interest in him and he was a big target for us. Albert is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, and he will bring us strength in depth in the centre of midfield. We look forward to his continued development with us,” said the technical director.

Manager Mikel Arteta stated that Lokonga was a very intelligent player, who had been coached well by Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.

“Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons. We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence,” said Arteta.