Albert Sambi Lokonga may have freed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta up to sign Houssem Aouar

Arsenal sign Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht

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Arsenal’s new midfield star has given them a quandary. Albert Sambi Lokonga has forged a reputation as an attacking box-to-box midfielder, but says he is better utilised deeper in midfield.

Lokonga joined Arsenal on Monday in a deal worth an initial £15million.

And in his first interview with the club, the Belgian midfielder revealed where he sees himself playing in the future.

“It’s a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it’s going to be my first big move to another country,” he said.

“It’s a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I’m looking to play in this league and I can’t wait to start.

“I can play as a six and I can play like a box to box, but people say that I’m better in the six position.”

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a number of players capable of playing as a six already this summer, including Ruben Neves and Manuel Locatelli.

But if Lokonga is set to be a long-term option in that role, then Arsenal may instead turn their attentions towards a more attacking addition in midfield, with the Belgian then partnering Thomas Partey in a two-man partnership.

That development would give Arsenal hope of signing Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar, who has been heavily linked with a move to north London this summer.

“Aouar has always been the first target for Arsenal,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this year. “They love him and they are convinced he would be perfect in their midfield.”

An approach for Aouar would be in keeping with the Gunners’ attempts to refresh their squad this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of lifting the Gunners back to the top tier of English football.

And the Frenchman is gettable at a reasonable fee due to Lyon’s financial problems.

Arsenal chiefs are believed to be willing to spend as much as £250million to secure their preferred targets, with Ben White expected to follow Lokonga through the door.

And midfield options Yves Bissouma and James Maddison, and Norwich full-back Max Aarons and have all also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

All of the players mentioned are under 25, fitting the preferred profile of the club’s transfer targets, as they prioritise players with growth and sell-on value.

But for now Arteta is focussing on the player who has arrived, and says he is looking forward to working with Sambi Lokonga.

He said: “Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development.

“He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht.

“I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.

“We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”

Arsenal will want to get the rest of their transfer activity completed as quickly as possible as they face a tough start to the new Premier League season.

The Gunners visit top-tier newbies Brentford on the opening weekend before back-to-back games against the league’s strongest sides – European champions Chelsea and defending Premier League champions Manchester City.

The mood around the Emirates could sour quickly with a poor start to the campaign, with the fans restless after a disappointing eighth-place finish last time out.

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