Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues ruthless response to Albert Sambi Lokonga interview

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants Albert Sambi Lokonga to do his talking on the pitch (Image: GETTY) This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Albert Sambi Lokonga to do his talking on the pitch following a hard-hitting interview in Belgium, in which he outlined his frustrations at his lack of game time in north London. The £15million signing from Anderlecht, who joined the club in July 2021, has struggled for minutes under the Spaniard – playing the majority of his football from the bench or in the Europa League.

Lokonga is yet to make a lasting impression whenever on the field, failing to provide his manager with a selection headache at the base of midfield.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey – besides his thigh injury – have been mainstays for the Gunners this season due to their remarkable consistency and Lokonga has now hinted he could explore a new challenge, should his ongoing quest for opportunities struggle to bear fruit.

Arteta has since urged Lokonga to focus his efforts on turning in top performances with the 23-year-old expected to feature on Thursday night in the Europa League clash at PSV Eindhoven.

When asked how he can keep players happy, he said: “Play them and then speak on the pitch, that’s the best way.”

Albert Sambi Lokonga is unhappy with his play time at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)

Before adding, when asked if Lokonga could shape January transfer plans: “We will see more and he needs to prove that what he’s asking for, he can produce on the pitch.

“That’s the challenge for every single player, to raise the level and put the right competition in the team, and when you play, perform in a way that [means] we can win and play good enough to win the games.”

Lokonga had also expressed his frustration with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, for failing to use him during a recent international break.

The young Gunners prospect did not hold back when assessing his career at both club and international level, in an interview with La Derniere Heure.

He said on his situation at Arsenal: “Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me.

“I develop better with 20 minutes of playing time at Arsenal than always playing elsewhere but always winning with 3-0 or 4-0.

“It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens.

“I think I have the qualities to succeed here. Last season, I didn’t perform at my best level. I still have things to prove.

“At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.”

Lokonga has played just 195 minutes of Premier League action this season, starting just two of Arsenal’s 11 top-flight matches.

One of those with the Gunners’ only defeat of the season when they went down 3-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in early September.

The Belgium international has started all four of Arsenal’s Europa League matches this season as the Gunners boast a 100 per cent winning record in the competition this term.