Albert Sambi Lokonga has been hailed as a success at Arsenal by former Anderlecht teammate Josh Cullen.
Lokonga joined the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £ 17 million, in the summer and has shown promise in his first outings for Mikel Arteta’s team.
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Lokonga has been backed to have a bright future at Arsenal
But with Granit Xhaka already ruled out for the next three months due to a medial ligament injury suffered against Tottenham, the Belgian international has a real chance to make his way into Arsenal’s starting lineup and become a true mainstay in midfield.
Lokonga played alongside former West Ham player Cullen at Anderlecht last season, helping Vincent Kompany’s side secure a third place in Belgium’s top flight.
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Xhaka seems ready for a prolonged spell on the sidelines
As such, Cullen knows the 21-year-old’s talent all too well and believes that Lokonga will truly thrill Arsenal fans during his time at the club.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Cullen said: “Sambi is a first-rate player and I think people have seen from his first months at Arsenal what a player he is first and foremost, but there is also a lot of room for improvement.
“I think he is still 21 years old, so there is a lot of time for him to improve and I am sure he will. But at the same time, I know from playing with him last year that he has the ability to play in the Premier League.
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Cullen played with Lokonga in Anderlecht
“It is always easier to form a partnership when you play alongside good players and Sambi is definitely one of them.
“He is definitely one of the best midfielders I have played with in my career and I guess the proof is in the pudding when a club like Arsenal comes in and pays the money they made for him.
“He still has a lot of room to improve with his age and I’m sure he will. It will certainly be a success for Arsenal and I am sure Arsenal fans will enjoy watching it for the period and seasons to come. “
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