9 months ago
123 Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has expressed his surprise with Arsenal loaning out Albert Sambi Lokonga this season.
The Reds manager was speaking at his pre-match conference ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Luton Town, for whom the Gunners midfielder currently plays.
Arsenal loaned Lokonga out to the Premier League newcomers back in September, and he has made 13 appearances in all competitions for them.
A hamstring injury kept the Gunners man out of action for all of October and November, but he returned in mid-December and is now a regular.
Liverpool are now set to face Lokonga’s Luton at Anfield, with the Reds eager to extend their lead at the top of the table and the Hatters desperate to come out of the bottom three.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, the Arsenal loanee was one of several opposition players Klopp praised.
“Lokonga, when you see him you can tell he’s an Arsenal player on loan deal,” the Liverpool boss told BBC Sport. “Interesting! They are strong and experienced. They are a really together [squad].”
Albert Sambi Lokonga hopes he can make the mark at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Lokonga from Anderlecht back in June 2021 for a reported £17.2million fee. He arrived as one of the best players in the Belgian top flight, becoming Anderlecht captain at the age of 21.
However, the Belgium international has failed to make much of an impact at the Emirates Stadium, and hasn’t played competitively for the Gunners since January 2023.
Lokonga went out on loan to Crystal Palace a year ago for the rest of the campaign, and this season, he has been plying his trade for Luton.
Despite appearing to be surplus to Mikel Arteta‘s requirements, the Arsenal man recently expressed his desire to make it at the Emirates Stadium.
“I still consider myself an Arsenal player,” He told Belgian outlet DH earlier in February. I’m appreciated there by the fans and the staff.
“I think I can have a future at Arsenal, but that will depend on my performances here. I’ve always said that as long as I have a contract with the Gunners, I’d like to make my mark there.”
If Lokonga can help Luton spring a surprise against Liverpool then no doubt it’ll go down well among the Arsenal coaches keeping tabs on how he’s doing.
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