Arsenal have accomplished the signing of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht.The 21-year-old joins Arsenal on a long-term contract after making 78 appearances for the Belgian membership, the place he performed underneath former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
“It’s a giant transfer as a result of I’ve been enjoying for Anderlecht for 10 years so it is going to be my first large transfer to one other nation,” Lokonga advised Arsenal’s web site.
“It’s a giant step, however I really feel assured as a result of we have now to be. In the soccer world, you have got to really feel assured about your self, however I’m wanting to play on this league and I am unable to wait to begin.”When requested if he prefers to play as a box-to-box midfielder or in a extra attacking function, Lokonga added: “I can play each.
“I can play as a six and I can play like a field to field, however folks say that I’m higher within the six place.”
Arsenal have confirmed Lokonga will join up along with his new team-mates within the coming days after finishing a compulsory isolation interval for worldwide travellers.
He is anticipated to journey to Florida with the remainder of the squad on Wednesday for his or her pre-season coaching camp.
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Lokonga has joined Arsenal from Belgian membership Anderlecht
A Belgium U21 worldwide, Lokonga acquired his first senior call-up earlier this yr when he was an unused substitute towards Greece, and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is happy by the midfielder’s potential.”Albert is a really clever participant who has proven nice maturity in his performances throughout his improvement,” stated Arteta.”He has been coached properly by Vincent Kompany and his workforce at Anderlecht. I do know Vincent very properly and he talks so extremely about Albert and the optimistic affect he had to Anderlecht in latest seasons.
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“We’re assured Albert’s prepared for the subsequent stage in his improvement and we’re wanting ahead to welcoming a brand new member to our squad along with his high quality and presence.”Technical director Edu added: “We are delighted Albert has signed with us, as there was loads of curiosity in him and he was a giant goal for us.”Albert is a participant we have been monitoring for a while, and he’ll convey us energy in depth within the centre of midfield. We look ahead to his continued improvement with us.”Lokonga turns into Arsenal’s second signing of the summer season transfer window after Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares, who joined the Gunners from Benfica in a deal price round £8m.Arsenal have additionally agreed a deal to signal Brighton centre-back Ben White for £50m, with the 23-year-old England worldwide anticipated to take a medical when he returns from vacation on July 26.
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