Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga could make a transfer move to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the summer transfer window, according to a tweet from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Reportedly, meetings between Burnley and Lokonga have already taken place. While an official offer has yet to be submitted, their interest in the player appears to be evident.

In Tavolieri’s tweet, he wrote: “I understand a meeting took place today at Burnley FC headquarters in order to fix personal terms for Sambi Lokonga. Deal’s getting closer… Last details need to be sorted out. Wait and see!”

Will Arsenal miss Sambi Lokonga?

Last season, Arsenal enjoyed one of their best Premier League campaigns in decades. They spent much of the campaign at the top of the division, only to be beaten out by Manchester City after a poor run of form towards the end of the year.

However, Lokonga’s role in their successes last season was minimal. He made just six appearances for the club, scoring no goals and registering zero assists – he spent most of the campaign out on loan at Crystal Palace.

While on loan at the Eagles, like at Arsenal, he failed to rack up a single goal or assist. In the interest of fairness, Lokonga is not in the team for either of these reasons – he is there to provide industry and to be a nuisance to the opposing team when the Gunners are out of possession.

Will Lokonga be a good signing for Burnley?

The 2023/24 season is a crucial one for Burnley – they will need to cement their position in England’s top flight once again, or risk becoming one of football’s many ‘yo-yo clubs’.

As such, signing players who have experience in the Premier League is a good idea. Of course, Lokonga is far from the best that the Premier League has to offer, but he is a solid addition to Kompany’s set up nonetheless.

He is best utilised as a defensive midfielder who recycles possession and lays off passes to his more creative teammates. Additionally, he will add a bit of defensive muscle in the middle of the park for the Clarets.