- Albert Sambi Lokonga, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, is reportedly being considered by Burnley’s Vincent Kompany for a reunion.
- Lokonga previously played under Kompany at Anderlecht before his £17million move to Arsenal.
- Arsenal are considering midfield replacements, potentially leading to Lokonga’s transfer.
Albert Sambi Lokonga eyed by Burnley’s Kompany: transfer talks on the horizon?
Albert Sambi Lokonga, currently on loan at Crystal Palace from Arsenal, is reportedly in the crosshairs of Burnley’s boss Vincent Kompany.
Lokonga’s future at the Emirates seems uncertain, with the midfielder falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta and his tenure at Crystal Palace unlikely to become permanent.
Burnley boss eyes Lokonga reunion
Kompany, a former Anderlecht manager, coached Lokonga during the 2020-2021 season.
The Burnley boss, known for his successful playing career at Manchester City, is a staunch supporter of the 23-year-old midfielder.
He once compared Lokonga’s playing style to Premier League legend Yaya Toure, illustrating his high regard for the player.
Kompany’s admiration for Arsenal’s Lokonga
The Belgian manager’s faith in Lokonga’s potential isn’t recent. He revealed that he had recommended the young talent to Arteta before Arsenal made their move.
Recalling his first impressions of Lokonga, Kompany said, “When I saw Sambi play his first game, I went to Mikel and said, ‘You’ve got to watch this guy, he’s the new Yaya Toure’.”
Anderlecht to Arsenal: Lokonga’s journey so far
Lokonga’s career trajectory has been interesting. After making an impression at Anderlecht under Kompany, the Belgian midfielder moved to Arsenal for a reported £17million.
However, a combination of factors led to his loan move to Crystal Palace, where he’s made nine appearances this season.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal are reportedly scouting for potential midfield reinforcements.
With names like West Ham’s Declan Rice and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo linked to the club, a reshuffling of the squad seems imminent. It’s suggested that Arsenal could offload up to 10 stars this summer, including Lokonga.
In such a context, Burnley, backed by its administration to support Kompany in the transfer market, could provide Lokonga a platform to reignite his career in the Premier League.
Will this potential reunion mark a new chapter for the youngster? Only time will tell.
