“I want to stay but it’s not just my decision” – On-loan Arsenal star expresses desire to join current club Sevilla on permanent deal

Albert Sambi Lokonga is a Belgian footballer who is currently on loan at Sevilla from Arsenal. He joined Arsenal in 2021 from Anderlecht and has had a few loan spells with different clubs since then. He has played for Crystal Palace and Luton Town in the past and has made 39 appearances for Arsenal. Lokonga is now on loan at Sevilla and has contributed two assists in 16 matches so far. He has expressed his desire to stay at Sevilla permanently, saying that he feels very good at the club. He believes he is growing as a player and feels that Sevilla is a great place for him, even better than his previous club Anderlecht. However, he also mentioned that the decision is not entirely up to him, as it will depend on the club and other factors. His contract with Sevilla reportedly includes an option to make the deal permanent, but Sevilla’s financial situation might make it hard to complete the move.

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, shared his thoughts on the club’s performance during the winter transfer window. He expressed disappointment over the fact that Arsenal did not make any new signings during the window. Arteta said that the team had a clear plan to improve the squad by signing new players who could make an impact. However, due to injuries and other factors, Arsenal was unable to bring in new talent. Arteta pointed out that the club had a specific profile in mind for new signings and was only interested in players who fit that profile. He emphasized that Arsenal remained disciplined in their approach and did not make any hasty decisions. He also mentioned that Arsenal’s financial situation is something they have to be careful about, as they want to stay within the limits that have worked for the club so far. Even though the team did not make any new signings, they did let go of three players during the window. Ayden Heaven moved to Manchester United, Josh Robinson went to Wigan Athletic, and Marquinhos was loaned to Cruzeiro until the end of the season.

Lokonga’s desire to stay at Sevilla is an important topic, as it highlights his personal growth and development as a player. He has been on loan for some time now, and it seems like Sevilla has become a place where he feels comfortable and valued. While his future at the club is uncertain, the fact that he is expressing interest in staying shows his commitment to continuing his development in a positive environment. Sevilla has a history of being a competitive club in La Liga, and being part of that team could be a great opportunity for Lokonga to establish himself further as a player. On the other hand, Arsenal will likely want to keep an eye on his progress and may have their own plans for him in the future. It will be interesting to see what decisions are made regarding his future, as both he and the clubs involved will have to consider various factors, including finances and team needs.

As for Arteta, his comments about the winter transfer window reflect the challenges many clubs face during this time. The January window is often difficult for teams to make significant changes, especially when dealing with injuries or financial constraints. Arsenal’s strategy has always been focused on careful and thoughtful planning, and Arteta’s comments show that the club remains committed to making improvements when the right opportunities arise. The fact that they let go of players like Ayden Heaven, Josh Robinson, and Marquinhos could suggest that the club is also making space for future moves or simply ensuring that the squad is in the right balance for the rest of the season. Arteta’s approach to managing the squad is thoughtful, and while there may have been disappointment in not signing new players, it also shows a level of discipline and long-term planning.

In terms of Lokonga’s future, it is clear that his time at Sevilla has been positive for him. While Arsenal may have other plans for him, his experience in Spain is helping him grow and develop as a player. He has been able to contribute to the team and gain valuable playing time, which is crucial for his career. At just 25 years old, Lokonga still has a lot of potential, and staying at Sevilla could be the right move for him if the opportunity arises. However, it remains to be seen if Sevilla can make the deal permanent, as financial issues could be a barrier to completing the move. Sevilla’s financial situation has been a challenge for the club in recent years, and it is unclear whether they will be able to afford a permanent deal for Lokonga. Nevertheless, Lokonga’s desire to stay shows his confidence in his development at the club and his belief that he has found a place where he can continue to improve.

For Arsenal, the decision regarding Lokonga’s future will depend on a variety of factors, including his development, the club’s needs, and financial considerations. Arteta has been known for his attention to detail and his focus on building a squad that is capable of competing at the highest level. Whether Lokonga stays at Sevilla or returns to Arsenal, it is clear that his time at the Spanish club has been beneficial for his growth as a player. As for Arteta and Arsenal, they will continue to focus on their long-term strategy and ensure that the squad remains balanced and competitive.

The January transfer window is always a time of uncertainty, and while many clubs make moves to strengthen their teams, others may have to be more cautious. Arsenal’s decision to not make any signings during this window may have been disappointing for some fans, but Arteta’s focus on discipline and long-term planning shows that the club is thinking about the bigger picture. The departures of players like Ayden Heaven, Josh Robinson, and Marquinhos suggest that the club is not simply standing still but is instead making adjustments to ensure the squad is in the right shape for the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal performs in the coming months and whether the lack of new signings will have an impact on their success. The focus remains on improving the squad with the right players, and Arteta’s leadership will be key in ensuring that the team continues to progress.

Lokonga’s time at Sevilla has been positive, and his desire to stay reflects his confidence in his development. He has expressed how much he enjoys being part of the team and how well he has been growing as a player. Sevilla has been a good fit for him, and staying at the club could provide him with more opportunities to play regularly and continue his growth. However, as he pointed out, the decision is not entirely up to him, and Sevilla’s financial situation may play a significant role in whether or not the move becomes permanent. For now, Lokonga will likely continue to focus on his performances on the field and see how things develop in the coming months.

In conclusion, both Lokonga’s situation at Sevilla and Arsenal’s lack of signings in the January transfer window are important stories for the future of the clubs involved. Lokonga’s potential move to Sevilla highlights his growth as a player and his desire to continue that development in a positive environment. Arteta’s comments about the transfer window reflect the challenges that many clubs face when trying to make improvements during this time. While Arsenal did not sign any new players, they made adjustments to their squad by letting go of a few players. The coming months will be crucial for both Lokonga and Arsenal as they look to move forward and achieve their goals. The situation remains fluid, and many factors will play a role in the decisions that are made regarding Lokonga’s future and Arsenal’s squad.