The Arsenal manager gave his take as a player is due to leave the club
Mikel Arteta discussed the consequences of Premier League profit sustainability rules on Friday as a midfielder is poised to leave the club.
Speaking to Arsenal ’s website, he said: “I think you can tell everything is a bit slower. I think the market and the new rules in place have caused that clubs are more aware and it’s a bit more delicate to do business in the way we’ve done in the last few seasons.
“We have adapted to that, and we still want to deliver what we want in the transfer window to have a much more competitive team, and improve the squad in every area that we can.”
Arsenal will look to stay within PSR regulations as well as acquire the signature of key targets – the club have been heavily linked with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori who impressed when helping Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season – he also provided a composed head in an otherwise underwhelming Italian side at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
Lokonga set to leave
Football London also reported that Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokongo is expected to leave the club in the coming days – he was signed from RSC Anderlecht in 2021 but failed to establish a first-team spot for Arteta’s side before being loaned to Crystal Palace and most recently Luton Town where he played Premier League football last season.
It was reported that the player was to undergo a medical at La Liga club Sevilla on Friday according to The Athletic .
The Belgian midfielder claimed he never spoke to his Arsenal manager during his loan spell at the Hatters last season.
Speaking in 2023 during Lokonga’s loan spell at Crystal Palace, Arteta said: “We’ve offloaded the squad with three players. Sambi needed time and games to develop the talent that he has and I think in Palace we’ve found the right club with the right coaching staff as well, so I believe that will work out.”
Unfortunately for the Belgian, he struggled to impress and move above Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jorginho in the central midfield pecking order.
