Arsenal fans want Sambi Lokonga out after Man City incident

Cameron Smith

• 28 Jan 2023 14:53 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal fans have called for Albert Sambi Lokonga to never play for their club again after their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Nathan Ake's 64th minute strike proved to be the winner as Pep Guardiola's men advanced into the fifth round of the competition, but several Gunners supporters were more angered by their midfielder than the result.

Lokonga, 23, was brought on at half-time to replace Thomas Partey, and was heavily criticised for his performance on the pitch, with boos heard from Arsenal fans upon several mistakes from the player.

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However, his actions at full-time are what have angered fans the most.

While most Arsenal players went to clap the 8,000 travelling supporters for their support, Lokonga decided against joining his team-mates, and instead walked straight down the tunnel.

Furthermore, Martin Odegaard was seen screaming at Lokonga for his poor defensive positioning during the second-half at the Etihad Stadium.

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The Belgian, who joined from Anderlecht in 2021, has been a back-up option to Partey since arriving in North London and could leave this month. The Gunners have reportedly submitted three bids for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo amid much transfer speculation.

The Seagulls have told the Ecuador international to not return to training until after the January window shuts on February 1 and have reportedly told Arsenal that he is not for sale. However, the Gunners are desperate to seal a move.

Arsenal's injury scare

Partey suffered a rib injury during the loss to Man City and could reportedly miss the rest of the season if an MRI scan determines the injury is serious.

After the game, Arteta said: "He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse. He could not continue. No initial diagnosis. Tomorrow, or the day after it will have to be an MRI scan and we’ll see what he has."

Therefore, their pursuit of Caicedo is set to hot up in the coming days as they look to sign a replacement for the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.