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Crystal Palace confirm loan signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The loan transfer of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Arsenal to Crystal Palace has been officially announced.
In the first half of the 2022–23 season, Lokonga was spotty for Arsenal, making just two Premier League starts as the Gunners launched an unexpected title bid.
Lokonga has played only 196 minutes in the Premier League, while the 23-year-old struggled to take his chance when starting all six of Arsenal’s Europa League group-stage games.
In the FA Cup match against Manchester City, he made his final appearance of the season for the Gunners by coming on in place of an injured Thomas Partey.
Arsenal decided to allow Lokonga to go out on loan despite their worries about Partey and the possibility that Mohamed Elneny may be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an injury.
Looking good, Sambi 💧#CPFC pic.twitter.com/EDHkRRBhcJ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 31, 2023
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They will be expecting that the Belgian’s development will be considerably aided by working for Patrick Vieira.
To play more frequently going forward, the midfielder has now been loaned to Palace for the remainder of the season.
Jorginho, an Italian midfielder who previously played for Chelsea, has taken over in the midfield position at Arsenal, replacing the outgoing player.
Speaking to the club’s official website after making the move, Lokonga said: “I’m really excited – I can’t wait to get started. I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I want to go as far as possible with the team. I will try to push for me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish was quick to praise Lokonga too, saying: “I would like to welcome Sambi to south London, and am pleased he has chosen to join Patrick’s squad for the rest of the season, after making an impressive start to life in English football.
“He has been on our radar for several years since his emergence at Anderlecht, and we very much look forward to his contribution as we push to climb the table”.
Another one joins 😍#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 31, 2023