Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga has confirmed that he has withdrawn from the Gunners' squad that has travelled to Germany this week due to injury. The 23-year-old is among the players facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season.
Lokonga spent the second half of last season out on loan at Premier League rivals Crystal Palace - making just nine appearances for the Eagles. The Belgian midfielder could leave Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer with Vincent Kompany said to be interested in bringing Lokonga to Burnley.
The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta and could be moved on to raise funds that can go towards new signings. Declan Rice is expected to sign for the Gunners this week after the north London outfit agreed a £105million deal to sign the England international from West Ham United.
Rice completed a two-part medical over the weekend and is said to have already finished his media duties ahead of his announcement as an Arsenal player. The 24-year-old's arrival will push Lokonga further down the pecking order at the club despite Granit Xhaka's £21.5million switch to Bayer Leverkusen this month.
Thomas Partey could also leave the club with Juventus and Manchester United thought to be interested in the 30-year-old. Romeo Lavia is a target for Arsenal but Southampton are hoping to receive a fee in the region of £50million for the Belgian.
Lavia's arrival would also hamper Lokonga's chances of featuring regularly in the first team at Arsenal - with a permanent exit the most likely outcome for the 23-year-old this summer. Lokonga confirmed that he will miss Arsenal's pre-season tour due to a muscular injury with a post on Instagram.
READ MORE:Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Rice and Timber 'confirmed', Tchouameni move, Mbappe warning
The Belgian midfielder said: "Due to a small muscular injury, I’ll sadly not be part of the summer camp with the team in Germany. I’m focus now on my recovery to prepare the season and be ready to help the team at my fullest capacity.
Which of the following rising stars would you promote or send out on loan? Swipe to have your say
