Arsenal extend contract of Albert Sambi Lokonga by further year

Arsenal have decided to exercise the right to extend the contract of forgotten midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga, for a further year.

The Belgian midfielder arrived in North London for a fee of €12million in the summer of 2021, but at just 21 years-old, he was expected to take time to adapt to the nature of the Premier League.

After featuring in 24 matches in his first campaign donning red and white, he played in a further 15 before being loaned to London rivals, Crystal Palace in January 2023.

His first stint at N5 ended sourly, and he didn’t play a single Premier League minute for almost four months before his departure. Furthermore, in his final appearance, an FA Cup tie against Manchester City, his teammates were visibly upset with his attitude, and he stormed down the tunnel while his teammates acknowledged the away support.

After his loan to Crystal Palace concluded, the Belgium international left once again to newly-promoted Luton Town, where he stayed for one campaign, before departing to Spain to gain new experience at Sevilla.

While Lokonga enjoyed Spanish life, he was sidelined for a total of 94 days during his stay, with a persistent hamstring issue.

Due to this, the LaLiga club have declined the right to sign the 25 year-old on a permanent basis, despite having an option of around £10million in his loan deal.

Instead, Lokonga has returned to England, where his parent club, Arsenal, have decided to extend this contract for an additional year, per The Standard.

Speaking to the same publication on his future, the midfielder explained: “For me, I really don’t know what is going to happen – but what I know for sure is I need stability. I need a club where I can stay for two or three years, to play and develop again.”

With Jorginho departing, it is yet to be seen if Lokonga will stay in North London as a squad option next campaign, or whether the extension derives from the intention of a sale.