Report: Jose Mourinho eyes shock move for Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga

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AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a shock move to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer.

That’s according to ASRomaLive.it, who claim that the Giallorossi are suddenly on the market for a new midfielder following an injury to one of their key summer signings.

Jose Mourinho wants to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga

Mourinho led Roma to win the UEFA Conference League last season. The Giallorossi are aiming to reach a whole new level this term, and Gini Wijnaldum was brought in from PSG to help them on their journey.

Sadly, the Dutchman broke his leg in training last weekend and he’s set to face a long spell on the sidelines. TalkSPORT reveal that he could even miss the World Cup in Qatar in November, which is a huge personal blow for him.

Roma weren’t planning on signing another midfielder in this window, but Mourinho and co are now forced to bring someone in to cover for Wijnaldum until he’s back.

The report claims that the Special One has turned his attention to Lokonga, who only joined Arsenal last year. The Belgian played 24 times for the Gunners in his debut campaign, and he really is a talented midfielder.

Lokonga, branded as a ‘special’ player, still has four years left on his Arsenal contract.

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22-year-old Lokonga was absolutely brilliant for Arsenal in the first half of the campaign. He’s excellent on the ball, is really good at progressing the game forward and can play as a six and also as a eight in the middle of the park.

The Belgian really does have a bright future, but he’s not the first choice at Arsenal in the Premier League.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are undisputed starters for the Gunners in the middle of the park, while new boy Oleksandr Zinchenko can also feature there when required. That’s probably why clubs like Roma and Milan are eyeing a move for Lokonga, but Arsenal shouldn’t even consider it.

The Gunners are back in the Europa League this season and the Belgian will be a regular starter there. Unless Arteta and Edu can bring in a new midfielder before next week week’s deadline, letting Lokonga go makes absolutely no sense.