Arsenal in talks with Burnley to sign Albert Sambi Lokonga

Vincent Kompany compared Albert Sambi Lokonga to Yaya Toure. Credit: PA/Mike Egerton

Arsenal are in talks with Burnley over a season-long loan deal for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.

A move to Turf Moor would give Lokonga the opportunity to reunite with Vincent Kompany, his former head coach at « Anderlechte.

Lokonga moved to Arsenal. in the summer of 2021 for around £15m, but since moving to England he has struggled to secure a permanent spot in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he made nine Premier League appearances.

The Belgian played at Anderlecht under The Company, who once compared him to a legend » Manchester City» by Yaya Toure and strongly recommended him to Arteta before Arsenal decided to sign him.

Lokonga suffered a minor muscle injury in pre-season and therefore did not participate in the club tour. USA.

Lokonga has fallen further down the midfield hierarchy in recent months following the signing of Jorginho in January and the arrival of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice this summer.

Spending around £200m on Rice, Havertz and Yourrien. Timber and Arsenal are prioritizing the departure of minor players at this stage of the window, as well as negotiating the departure of defender Auston Trusty.

Telegraph Sport understands Sheffield United are leading the race to sign Trusty. the US international who excelled on loan at Birmingham City last season.

Arsenal are ready to sell Trusty permanently or loan him out for the season. interest.

Recently promoted Sheffield United have now moved to the top of the line for the 24-year-old who was named Birmingham's Player of the Season last year.

Narelijny has signed with « Arsenal in January 2022 from Colorado Rapids (also owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment), but never competed for the club.