Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old has been forced to accept a bit-part role in the Gunners' setup this term, sitting behind Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey in the pecking order.
The deadline day arrival of Jorginho would have further limited Sambi Lokonga's chances of starting under Mikel Arteta, in spite of Mohamed Elneny's potentially season-ending knee injury.
While Elneny's absence now leaves Arsenal with just three fit central midfielders, the Gunners have given Sambi Lokonga the green light to link up with former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park for the remainder of the campaign.
The ex-Anderlecht lynchpin has joined on a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy, and he expressed his joy at joining the Eagles following confirmation of his signing.
Another one joins 😍#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 31, 2023
"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," Lokonga told the official Crystal Palace website.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish also welcomed the arrival of the Belgian, having been keeping tabs on his performances for a number of years since his time with Anderlecht.
"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," Parish added.
"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 has made 39 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal since joining from Anderlecht in the summer of 2021, although he is still waiting for his first goal or assist for the Gunners.
The Belgium international has only started two Premier League games for Arteta's side this season, and he has not played in the top flight since coming off the bench in October's North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Lokonga follows Marquinhos out of the Emirates on deadline day after the Brazilian winger joined Norwich City on loan, and he joins fellow midfielder Naouirou Ahamada in arriving at Crystal Palace for the second half of the campaign.
Ben Knapton
