Arsenal summer signing reveals what Mikel Arteta expects from him

Despite impressing the Gunners boss so far, Albert Sambi Lokonga is aware he cannot rest on his laurels anytime soon.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expects more to come from summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga.

The Belgian midfielder has impressed following his €17.5 million arrival from Anderlecht in July, a move that the legendary Thierry Henry reportedly recommended to Arsenal.

Lokonga has since started seven times in the club’s 11 Premier League games this season. The 18-year-old’s opportunities have increased since Granit Xhaka’s knee injury, and he has made the most of it.

“Yes, it’s gone a bit quicker than expected, but I was well prepared physically, mentally and on a football level,” Lokonga told RTBF on his start at the Emirates.

“I don’t want to say that I had the required qualities, but apparently they suit the manager. I’m fighting for my spot, I play games and I’m getting minutes. I’m very happy. I made the right choice, but I already knew that.”

On his relationship with Arteta, the Belgian added: “The manager speaks to me a lot. I like that, but he doesn’t let me rest. I was told that he’d said that my integration and my performances impressed him. Good, but next year, he’ll see an even better Sambi!”