Arsenal formalize transfer of Belgian great hope, Sambi Lokonga

Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (21) left Anderlecht and joined Arsenal on a contract whose duration was not specified by the Gunners.

Sambi Lokonga, who arrived in London on Saturday morning, is an Arsenal player. The Gunners on Monday formalized the signing of 21-year-old Belgian midfielder Anderlecht, who will recover €17 million in the case, according to Belgian Press, an amount to which various bonuses will be added. On the next transfer a percentage will be included in the deal between the two clubs.

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Arsenal said Sambi Lokonga would join his teammates “in the coming days”. Perhaps on the occasion of Arsenal’s second internship scheduled for this week in the United States. The Gunners will notably play a friendly against Romelu Lukaku’s Inter on 25 July. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s team began their preparations in Scotland and experienced their first defeat (1–2) against Hibernian.

He likes to play in front of the defense

Contrary to what was announced by the Belgian press, Sambia will not wear Lokonga n°48, a tribute to his city of Verviers, but rather n°23. “It’s a big step, but I believe because you have to be. In the football world you have to have confidence. I want to play in this league and I can’t wait to start.” – Gunner, able to perform multiple roles in the field.

“I can play at No. 6 and I can play as a box-to-box midfielder, but people say I’m better at No. 6,” he said. Tracked by Monaco, Sambi Lokonga has experienced a linear progression in recent months, crossing a major milestone in the eyes of Red Devils coach Roberto Martínez, who pointed out when calling him to prepare for Euro 2021. did not fail to do. this summer (the player was among eleven reservists).

Author of 3 goals and 3 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, the young midfielder says he has learned a lot with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who has temporarily again become Martinez’s assistant. Sambi Lokonga said, “It was really great. A great experience because, every time I was with him on the pitch, I learned a lot of things.”