Arsenal star joins Crystal Palace on loan as Gunners set to seal transfer for Chelsea ace Jorginho

ARSENAL ace Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to join Crystal Palace on loan, according to reports.

The midfielder has struggled for game-time at the Emirates and will spend the second half of the season in South London.

PAAlbert Sambi Lokonga is set to join Crystal Palace on loan[/caption]

Lokonga arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2021 in a £17m deal from Anderlecht.

But he’s behind Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey in the pecking order, which has restricted him to just 14 Prem starts in 18 months.

And this season his chances have reduced even further with the majority of his minutes coming in the Europa League.

That’s despite Mohamed Elneny being injured for much of the campaign.

And he’ll now hope for further chances when he links up with ex-Gunners captain Patrick Vieira.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal have now accepted a loan move with the 23-year-old undergoing a medical on deadline day.

But Lokonga’s departure will leave Mikel Arteta with just two fit centre midfielders, which has led the Prem leaders to dip into the market.

And they’re acted quickly by bringing in Chelsea star Jorginho, who’s set to arrive on an 18 month deal.

Arsenal will pay their London rivals £12m for the Italy international with his Stamford Bridge terms expiring in the summer.

Jorginho will become Arteta’s third signing of the window following the recent arrivals of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.