Sambi Lokonga: Sam Be the Man in Midfield?

[MikelHadADream]

I just think renewing him is just a sunk cost right now.

We have literally just brought him back from the clutches of the being loaned until he left for free monster.

If it were possible, I'd just bring in two midfielders of different profiles (a guy to start and a more experienced, cheaper option) and loan Vieira for 6 months.

Didn’t think of his contract, he probably has a year or two left?

Suppose he’s one of those that if a decent offer comes in, you sell, especially if Jorginho goes.

Just think he got a bit of a rough ride here for numerous reasons.

Personally think Vieira is Arteta’s personal project and he stays regardless.

 

[MikelHadADream]

Yep agree with this. He's been very impressive when I've seen him this year, but being good in a totally different system for Luton is very different to playing in our midfield. Not to mention the guy is less than a year younger than Rice. He's not some 20 year old. He needs to being getting regular starts for his own sake and he should be able to get a move to a decent midtable or midtable-aspiring Prem team based off his form this year. He's crazy if he stays here next year to be probably 3rd choice 6 or 5th choice 8.

I think there’s a real good player in there, think he’d suit a lot of teams in the prem.

He’s on record saying he wants to give it another go at Arsenal. Playing for a top club is often a once in a lifetime chance for these guys, they don’t give it up easily.

 

[lomekian]

We paid 17m.

But accounting wise we have paid off 3/5ths of that, so from an FFP etc perspective, anything over 7m will be profit.

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

But accounting wise we have paid off 3/5ths of that, so from an FFP etc perspective, anything over 7m will be profit.

Gotcha. But no harm in going for a real profit.

 

[Red London]

We don't need 3. We play with one 6 and have 4 of them, two of them probably leave (Elneny and Partey). They just need someone to replace Partey who could also function as an 8. No point keeping Lokonga to be 3rd choice 6. He needs to play every week.

Rice is more likely to play 8 than Partey. Partey is a number 6.

I think that if we let’s say lose Elneny + Partey (maybe Jorgi too), and we sign 1 CM, it would be ok to keep Lokonga. He can play 6 and 8.

But I agree with the notion that he needs minutes also.

 

[sergio_giorgini]

Move this guy on while we’re still able to generate a few bob for him. He’s found his level with Luton.

 

[lomekian]

Gotcha. But no harm in going for a real profit.

For sure - if his spell keeps going well and he keeps getting flowers from the likes of Klopp, we should be fine on that front

 

[Tom349]

Haven't seen enough improvement to think he is level to play in our current team. Needs to show more intensity off the ball to be at our required level, the rest of his game is trending in the right direction.

 

[Mitch]

Lokonga already producing more good performance at a higher quality in a in Luton shirt this season than Partey has ever done in a Arsenal shirt (granted it's not saying much).

 

[#254]

I'd give him another loan after this if Luton stay up because the guys that have given him reviews have an understanding of the defensive aspect of the game, so they must be onto something here!
If he can just improve his awareness and agility (which he seems be doing) we have quite a player in our hands.

 

[A_G]

 

[Dennis_Bergkamp_10]

Lokonga already producing more good performance at a higher quality ina in Luton shirt this season that Partey has ever done in a Arsenal shirt (granted it's not saying much).

 

[Sammy1887]

Mitch is the real Karen on this forum.

 

[UpTheGunnerz]

Decent 23 m fee in the summer would make me happy.

 

[UpTheGunnerz]

That being said, good on Albert for stepping up. Seem loved at Luton

 

[North5]

Can’t help but like Sambi, he’s got talent and was done dirty by the Amazon clip with Eddie.

If he keeps on performing for Luton, he’s a viable option to replace Jorginho/ElNeny in the squad.

When you're a child you think Eddie was right, growing up is knowing that is was Sambi

 

[boonthegoon]

Scored a good header vs West Ham

 

[Tourbillion]

Good on the ball but his effort in tracking back is token rather than having any real intent.

Arteta knows this hence why he has no future at Arsenal.

 

[Sapient Hawk]

Good on the ball but his effort in tracking back is token rather than having any real intent.

Arteta knows this hence why he has no future at Arsenal.

He's better off not taking suggestions on potential signings from extraterrestrials either.

 

[Riou]

"He's like a new signing"

...Arteta on Lokonga, when we are priced out of moves for Bruno and De Jong.