Arsenal tracking Albert Sambi Lokonga with Thierry Henry help

Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer following on from previous scouting, with none other than Thierry Henry providing his assistance in facilitating a potential transfer.

Midfielders. Arsenal, at present, have six of them. For a team that has adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation since the second half of the season and that doesn’t have any European football to contend with in 2021/22, that’s far too many.

Yet the club finds itself in a position where there may only be one left come the end of the summer, barring any additions. That number could be two, and both of those will be gone for up to six weeks when the Africa Cup of Nations comes around at winter time.

Others may stay and the number can fluctuate, but Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira will definitely be leaving, closely followed by a seemingly inevitable Granit Xhaka departure and question marks hanging over Joe Willock and Mohamed Elneny. Thomas Partey is good but he’s not that good.

Arsenal tracking Albert Sambi Lokonga with additional help from Thierry Henry ahead of summer transfer window

Yves Bissouma is the main name being mentioned to come and others fleetingly so, with the latest being that of Albert Sambi Lokonga. Someone considered as a cheaper alternative to Bissouma (Anderlecht want between €15m-20m), he has been on the Gunners’ radar since 2019 prior to his most recent contract extension.

On standby for Belgium’s Euro 2020 squad and under the club management of Vincent Kompany, this is where Thierry Henry comes into the equation.

The pair are very close friends and Henry’s work with the Red Devils has helped him become familiar with Lokonga’s talent. Belgian outlet Voetbal24 state that the club legend has put in a good word to Arsenal over his ability and is encouraging a move, one that will benefit his former side as well as his close pal, Kompany, whose club would snap at the chance of a cash injection.

Interest in Lokonga was backed up by Fabrizio Romano on The Arsenal Lounge, who stated that he is among their options this summer, but not top of the list and talks are not advanced.

Regarding profile, it’s understandable why Arsenal are looking at him possibly in place of Bissouma. A deeper operating midfielder, his progressive carries, fluid mobility and excellent press breaking dribbling ability stand out.

In a weaker Belgian league and for a side that struggled in 2019/20, he still managed to chip in with three goals and two assists this term, improving his decision making in the final third from the previous season where it was a noticeable weakness. At only 21 years old, he’s also alreadt been handed the captain’s armband.

An enticing option. Almost too smart for Arsenal to pull off. Whether or not Henry’s intervention is enough to sway those in north London is another matter but for now he’s a player to look out for.