Should Arsenal consider Lokonga as Bissouma alternative?

It’s all beginning to heat up now! From reported interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma to an imminent bid for Argentine Emi Buendía, Arsenal are being linked with a plethora of players ahead of this summer’s transfer window. However, amidst the clamouring for established Premier League talents, a comparatively obscure name which has surfaced recently is that of Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga.

A name probably unfamiliar to many this side of the North Sea, Lokonga has enjoyed a fine campaign in the Jupiler Pro League this season. The 21-year-old was a mainstay in the engine room of Vincent Kompany’s side, where he made 27 league appearances, and his impressive displays earned him a place on Belgium’s standby list for the upcoming 2020 European Championships.

He may not seem like a particularly ambitious acquisition given our current plight, but Lokonga’s qualities present him as an intriguing candidate to lead a revamped Gunners’ midfield. Similar to Thomas Partey, the youngster is remarkably composed on the ball and is an effective ball-carrier and progressor, while his eye for penetrative passes would enhance our ability to break down stubborn low blocks.

A neat first touch allows him to transition into attack smoothly and his pressing is both measured and energetic. The Belgian is very well rounded both with and without possession.

Limited finances could encourage Arsenal to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga instread of Yves Bissouma this summer

Furthermore, despite operating primarily as a deep-lying midfielder, his industrious nature allows him to make late runs into the box and draw defenders, and he displays a level of athleticism Granit Xhaka could only dream of which adds to his suitably for playing through a high press.

Currently valued at around £13m-17m, the Anderlecht man is considerably cheaper than Bissouma – although he does not have the same defensive instincts – and provides a good central option if we want to save money for other areas. As per Belgian sources, Arsenal are keen and have been for over two years.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Arsenal deal without some question marks, and there are a couple of drawbacks to pursuing this move. One such issue would be the Belgian’s concerning injury record, which includes a cruciate ligament rupture in 2018 that sidelined him for over 200 days, as well as a more recent absence in January owing to abductor issues.

Additionally, back-to-back eighth place domestic finishes and missing out on Europe mean patience is wearing thin among the Emirates faithful, and the uncongested nature of next season’s calendar will only heighten expectations of making a sustained challenge for the top four.

To do that, we must strengthen the team significantly and quickly, and acquiring a young player who needs time to acclimatise will not satisfy that demand.

Nevertheless, we are operating in a transfer window like no other and, with multiple obstacles to contend with – namely the absence of European prestige and COVID-restricted finances – it would be wise for Arsenal to consider some economically viable signings. Lokonga is one such option who may well be worth the risk.