Crystal Palace have signed Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season.
Lokonga joined the Gunners in the summer transfer window from Anderlecht and had since gone on to make six appearances in the Premier League and a further nine across the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa League.
With Mikel Arteta's side signing Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on deadline day, the Eagles swooped in to prise Lokonga away from the league leaders ahead of the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
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Upon joining the club, the 23-year-old said: “I’m really excited – I can’t wait to get started. I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I want to go as far as possible with the team. I will try to push for me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top.”
Chairman Steve Parish added that Lokonga has been on the club's radar for a number of years, dating back to his 'emergence at Anderlecht' and is pleased he has opted to make the trek across London for the remainder of the season.
“I would like to welcome Sambi to south London, and am pleased he has chosen to join Patrick’s squad for the rest of the season, after making an impressive start to life in English football. He has been on our radar for several years since his emergence at Anderlecht, and we very much look forward to his contribution as we push to climb the table”.
Lokonga played one minute in the opening day league defeat to the Gunners and last made an appearance in the top-flight at the start of October, only appearing on the bench for Arsenal ever since.
The former Anderlecht star is the second player to join the club on deadline day (January 31) following the arrival of Naouirou Ahamada from VfB Stuttgart on a three-and-a-half year deal.
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