Arsenal ‘agree’ another deadline day transfer after Mikel Arteta warning

Arsenal have managed to get another wage off their books, at least temporarily. The Gunners have spent big this summer, racking up a spending bill of more than £200million with the signings of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Declan Rice and David Raya.

However, it’s not all fun and games, and Arsenal must abide by Financial Fair Play rules, while also balancing the books generally for the good of the club. As part of that, Arsenal are spending the final hours of the summer transfer window shipping out players who are not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Nuno Tavares was sent to Nottingham Forest, while Rob Holding looks as though he will be sold to Crystal Palace. Nicolas Pepe remains in limbo at this point, but there is some movement on the Albert Sambi Lokonga front.

The holding midfielder has been part of the group training separately from the main group due to plans surrounding his exit, though one was not forthcoming. Fortunately, a solution has now been found, with Lokonga heading out on loan close by.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Premier League newboys Luton Town are about to snap up the holding midfielder on loan until the end of the season.

Romano tweeted: “Albert Sambi Lokonga joins Luton Town on loan from Arsenal, deal agreed — here we go #DeadlineDay The player has given his green light.”

Lokonga has been highly rated, but he hasn’t managed to break into Arteta’s plans, spending time with Crystal Palace on loan last season, and at 23 years of age, he needs to play more regular football to continue his development. The Belgian is likely going to need to impress out on loan with the Hatters if he is to have a future at the Emirates Stadium.

Asked about Lokonga’s lack of opportunities last season, Arteta said: “We’ll see more, and he has to prove that what he’s asking for he can produce on the pitch. We’re looking for every single player to raise their level and get the right competition in the team, and when you play and perform in a way that we win and play well enough to win games.”

Lokonga is in attendance for Luton’s first home game of the season against West ham this evening.