Arsenal’s new signing: Who is Albert Sambi Lokonga?

Arsenal made their second summer signing in Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for around £17.3m. The 21-year-old was born in Belgium to Congolese descent and has represented Belgium at youth levels from U17 to U21.

The midfielder came through the coveted Anderlecht academy, making his debut at 18 in 2017 and went on to make 69 appearances, scoring 3 goals.

Lokonga stands at 6-foot tall yet is quick and agile and can flow into any position in the midfield, he is excellent at bringing the ball up from the back with his dribbling skills, this also makes him a very strong progressive ball carrier.

More from Arsenal

• Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
• Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
• Arsenal predicted lineup vs PSV: Mikel Arteta to drop “Henry-esque” winger
• Alan Shearer blasts “slow” Arsenal player – Should Mikel Arteta drop him?
• “Beast” Arsenal fans have noticed the GREAT form of fringe midfielder

Lokonga also has exceptional passing skills, with a wide range of passing abilities. He could be a player to sit deep and control play with these passes.

Where the young midfielder lacks is his touch, which can be inconsistent and allow pressure on himself, often losing the ball. Lokonga also has issues with his decision making, be that defensively or in the final third, though this could be down to his lack of experience.

Lokonga made 49 passes per 90 in 2020/21 at an 87.75% success rate, 14.67 forward passes and 7.42 progressive passes. Lokonga also made 3.05 dribbles per 90 and wins 5 defensive duels per 90, showing his ability to retrieve the ball and bring it forward.

Lokonga’s greatest assist is his passing, and he can do this from anywhere in the midfield, but he predominantly plays CM or DM and could easily be a replacement for Granit Xhaka despite his lack of size and defensive inexperience.

He will need to be rounded into whatever position he is put in, but having consistently played under three different coaches at Anderlecht, it is obvious Lokonga is intelligent and mature enough to be coached into the full midfield package.

It is unsure whether the 21-year-old will find himself immediately in the Arsenal starting line-up but he is full of potential and can be a real asset to them in years to come.