Report: £18m Arsenal midfielder now set to start against PSV tonight

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Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is now set to start against PSV in the Europa League tonight, according to the Evening Standard.

Lokonga has mainly played in a back-up role to Thomas Partey since making the £18 million switch from Anderlecht last summer (Goal).

The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of promise while stepping in for the Ghanaian in his absence.

Lokonga has started two Premier League games this season, both while Partey was on the sidelines. But the Belgian has been given the nod in all of Arsenal’s Europa League group stage games and this looks set to continue tonight.

Lokonga now set to start against PSV

The Evening Standard reports that both Lokonga and summer signing Fabio Vieira will be part of the Arsenal midfield tonight.

While Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding should be given the nod in defence. Eddie Nketiah is also expected to start up-front as Arteta shakes up his side.

The Gunners have been going strong in the Europa League so far, despite Arteta rotating his squad heavily for the fixtures.

They’ll face what is probably their sternest test of their group tonight in PSV though.

The Dutch outfit have scored the most goals in the Eredivisie this season and sit second in the table, just a point behind champions Ajax.

Just two points separate Arsenal and Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s men going into tonight’s game.

Lokonga will be hoping to impress Arteta and build on some promising performances in Europe so far this season.

The talented midfielder is unlikely to get many opportunities in the Premier League while both Granit Xhaka and Partey are available.

Arteta has used the Europa League as a chance to give many of his squad players minutes so far this season. The Spaniard has managed to find the right balance both in Europe and the Premier League so far.

The Gunners sit at the very top of the table both in Europe and their domestic standings. Arteta will be hoping his young Arsenal side can continue their brilliant form before the World Cup gets underway next month.