Mikel Arteta reportedly intends to retain the services of Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners are currently enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory, their priority target being winning the Premier League title.
As it stands, the North Londoners sit five points clear with a game in hand, but that dominance has not meant that Arteta has not been required to be active in the January transfer window.
Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard have both been signed to strengthen in various areas of the pitch, the former being capable of playing in a defensive-midfield position if required.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko also capable of deputising in that role, Arsenal appeared to be moving into a position where they could potentially allow Sambi Lokonga to go out on loan.
© Reuters
Although the 23-year-old has been provided with 10 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions, he has featured for just 196 minutes in the top flight.
Having failed to make an impact in that division, Sambi Lokonga became an option for other clubs, but it appears that the Belgium international will now remain at the Emirates Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, Mohamed Elneny's recent injury issues means that Sambi Lokonga is required to remain with his current club until at least the summer.
Arsenal are still in three competitions, with an FA Cup fourth round tie against Manchester City taking place at the Etihad Stadium on Friday evening.
© Reuters
Regardless of the outcome, Arsenal will still have 19 Premier League fixtures to encounter, as well as the resumption of the Europa League when the competition reaches the last-16 stage.
That creates the potential of 26 matches taking place even when not taking the FA Cup into account, resulting in Arteta taking a firm stance with Sambi Lokonga's availability.
The report adds that Monaco had been interested in signing Sambi Lokonga until it became apparent that the former Anderlecht man would stay in England's capital.
Sambi Lokonga still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
Darren Plant
