Albert Sambi Lokonga has returned to first team training with Arsenal despite being linked with an exit this summer.
Journalist George Bird update shared on social media ahead of Monday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Time is running out for Premier League clubs to do their transfer business this summer.
Mikel Arteta appears to be strengthening his squad in all the areas he wants.
However, he will be disappointed that Jurrien Timber seems to have not been rejected most of the time with a severe knee injury.
David Raya provides competition for Aaron Ramsdale while Kai Havertz and Declan Rice look to direct in midfield.
The task for Arsenal now is to keep all the players surplus to requirements.
Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares will be allowed to leave.
Another player who could leave is Albert Sambi Lokonga but he has not returned to training at Arsenal.
Whether this is an effort to try and keep him fit or bring him back into the squad is yet to be seen.
Lokonga has returned to training at Arsenal
Posting on social media, Bird said: “[Amario] Cozier-Duberry trained with the first team. [Folarin] Balogun and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga is back with the main training group as well.
the £17m The midfielder has yet to adapt to life at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta threw the Belgian international straight into the side after arriving from Anderlecht but is not ready for Premier League action.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace but failed to impress in his nine appearances.
Lokonga is expected to leave Arsenal this summer but a move to Burnley is not as close as it first seemed.
The Rice signing pushes him further down the pecking order, while Thomas Partey doesn’t seem likely to move on.
Lokonga is now back training at Arsenal and is keen to hit the ground running wherever he is next.
Arsenal may have to explore another loan deal for the 23-year-old if a sale does not materialize before the window closes.
Working with Arteta and the rest of the first-team squad will help his brilliance even if it can’t be matched right now.
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