Arsenal legend Thierry Henry provides reference for transfer target Albert Sambi Lokonga
Arsenal: Arteta details plan to return to top four
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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told his former club that they should sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to reports.
Lokonga could join the Gunners as part of a big summer revamp as boss Mikel Arteta plans to lift the club back among the Premier League’s elite sides.
Arsenal failed to qualify for European competition for the first time in over a quarter of a century following a disappointing campaign.
The north Londoners finished eighth in the top-flight, despite a positive end to the season. They won their final five matches but were unable to finish in the Europa League places.
Arteta’s side were knocked out of the fourth round of the FA Cup by Southampton and were beaten by Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final.
The Arsenal boss and technical director Edu are planning a busy summer which could see several stars leave and be replaced by fresher faces.
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Defender David Luiz has already announced that he will depart when his contract expires at the end of the month. The Brazilian made 73 appearances for the club across two seasons after arriving from Chelsea.
Right-back Hector Bellerin’s decade-long association with the club could also end. The 26-year-old is a target of clubs in his native Spain.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno and midfielder Willian have been widely linked with exits.
Arteta and Edu will reportedly target younger signings following the success of the club’s youngsters.
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Bukayo Saka, 19, continued his excellent season by being called up to the England squad for Euro 2020 and scored his first goal for the Three Lions in their 1-0 friendly win over Austria on Wednesday.
Emile Smith Rowe, 20, and Kieran Tierney, 23, have also impressed.
Anderlecht’s Lokonga could be available for as little as £17million and ex-Arsenal striker Henry has put in a good word for the 21-year-old, according to Belgian outlet Voetbal24.
Henry is close with Anderlecht boss and former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and believes he can help the club by providing a reference for the Belgian youth international.
Lokonga made 27 appearances for Anderlecht in the Belgian top-flight and scored three times.
He could arrive as part of a busy summer for Arteta, who has been offered the backing of the board despite last season’s woes.
The Spaniard has conceded that his side needs major upheaval before they challenge higher up the Premier League.
“The squad needs changing,” Arteta said at the end of the season.
“Time is catching up right now. It (being caught behind rivals) is a trend, it’s years now that this has been happening.
“If the distance and the margins with the rest become too big, then it’s almost impossible to do it.
“We are still on time, and we have put some very strong pillars and foundations in the last few months to do what we have to do.”
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