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Transfers
Albert Sambi Lokonga appears to aim subtle dig at Arsenal after signing for Sevilla on loan
After joining Arsenal in 2021, Albert Sambi Lokonga will now embark on his third loan spell away from the club as he joins Spanish side Sevilla.
Lokonga’s contract at Arsenal still runs until 2026, but significantly Sevilla have the option to buy the Belgian at the end of next season – meaning he may have played his last game in north London.
It would be harsh to call Lokonga a failure at Arsenal, a player who evidently has a lot of ability as he showed at Luton Town.
But it ultimately felt as if the midfielder wasn’t particularly suited to any position in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Lokonga didn’t have the control required to be a number six for Arteta, nor the attacking qualities to play further forward.
And at 24-years-old, it makes sense for the former Anderlecht player to find a new home – somewhere he can enjoy some consistency.
That being said, after his move to Sevilla was announced, Lokonga appeared to levy a subtle dig at Arsenal when justifying his decision to switch clubs.
Albert Sambi Lokonga switched Arsenal for Sevilla because of ‘winning mentality’
In Lokonga’s with Sevilla he lauded the trophy-ladened history of the club, who have won the Europa League twice in the last four years.
Lokonga went on to say that he had always thought of joining Sevilla because of their ‘winning mentality’ and then expressed that he had ‘always wanted’ to be part of a winning side.
He shared: “It’s been a good day, with lots to do, signing the contract, the heat… but I am very happy to be here.
“I’ve always wanted to play in Spain and now I have the chance, so now that is why I am here in Sevilla.
“I’ve always had Sevilla in my mind because of the winning mentality and looking at the Europa League, what Sevilla have done is incredible.
“I have always wanted to be part of a winning side and so that is why I chose to come to Sevilla.”
READ MORE: Aston Villa could now try and beat Arsenal to ‘world-class’ midfielder who Mikel Arteta loves
Of course, it is slightly odd to hear a player who has been part of a club like Arsenal for so long to declare that they have always admired Sevilla for their ability to ‘win’.
Although Arsenal haven’t lifted the silverware they would have liked over the past two seasons, or perhaps even the trophies they deserved, they’ve certainly become accustomed to winning regularly.
Either way, Arsenal supporters will wish Lokonga all the best, a popular player in north London who deserves a fresh start.