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LOK OF THE DRAW
Arsenal ‘WON’T let Albert Sambi Lokonga quit on loan despite Fabio Vieira transfer in blow to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley’
ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA will reportedly stay at Arsenal this summer despite the arrival of Fabio Vieira.
There had been rumours Burnley boss Vincent Kompany could make a loan swoop for the 22-year-old midfielder, who he previously coached at Anderlecht.
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But boss Mikel Arteta wants a strong squad next season in order to be competitive on four fronts.
And report Lokonga is set to stay at the Emirates rather than head out on loan.
The Gunners recently confirmed the £34million capture of Vieira and there is continued interest in Youri Tielemans, both of who play in Lokonga's position.
Elsewhere Mohamed Elneny has penned a contract extension while Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey also occupy similar roles to Lokonga, meaning Arteta has plenty of options in the middle of the park.
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Nevertheless one-cap Belgium international Lokonga appears destined to remain in North London.
The Europa League is thought of as being as a good way for last summer's £17m signing to develop.
Lokonga made 23 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal in his debut campaign.
The midfielder was a regular in the first half of the season when Xhaka was sidelined by injury.
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He played in 12 out of the first 13 Premier League games of the season.
But Xhaka's return saw Lokonga's playing time restricted, and the Belgian only played six times in the Prem after Christmas.
Despite mainly being an unused substitute in the second half of the campaign, Lokonga seemingly features in Arteta's plans going forward.
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