Crystal Palace in talks with Arsenal over Lokonga loan transfer as Vieira looks to borrow from former club

CRYSTAL PALACE have made a move for Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga as they look to secure a deadline day loan deal, according to reports.

The Eagles have enjoyed a quiet January so far but could be set for a new midfielder to give the second half of their season a boost.

Lokonga has struggled for first team opportunities at the EmiratesGetty

Lokonga has had limited first-team opportunities so far at the Emirates and has faced criticism over his performances.

But the Mail report Palace are interested in the 23-year-old.

The club are now in discussions with their London rivals over a potential loan move.

If a deal was to be done the two teams would have to thrash out an arrangement in the final hours of deadline day.

Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to bring in Jorginho could help free up the Belgian for the move to Selhurst Park.

Mikel Arteta had been looking for reinforcements in midfield even before Mohamed Elneny’s injury earlier this month.

Lokonga has been one the club’s rotation players since signing and played in all six of Arsenal’s Europa League group games this season.

But the star has been limited to six Premier League appearances and has struggled in the cup competitions.

Lokonga was among the back-up Arsenal stars who failed to impress in the first-half against Oxford United in the FA Cup earlier this month.

He also appeared to anger his captain Martin Odegaard during the defeat to Manchester City last week.

The Gunners have reportedly knocked back a bid from Monaco for the midfielder already in this window.