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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

'Swap deal for De Jong!' - Arsenal's first January transfer decided after what Sambi Lokonga did

Mikel Arteta was able to experiment with Albert Sambi Lokonga as Arsenal clinched top spot in their Europa League group with a 1-0 win over FC Zurich.

With Mohamed Elneny available for selection once again after returning from a hamstring injury ahead of schedule, it was he who was handed the task of operating in the 'Thomas Partey role' at the base of the Gunners' three-man midfield against the Swiss opposition on Thursday night.

As a result, Lokonga - who has filled in for the Ghana international this season as a number six - pushed higher up as one of the two midfield '8's in the absence of the suspended Granit Xhaka and it's safe to say the reaction to his performance has split many amongst the fanbase.

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