Transfer gossip columns may not be your cup of tea.
And if so, there is every reason to believe that Arsenal’s potential spending summer may have passed you by.
So to give you a brief overview of where we are so far, Nuno Tavares is through the Emirates Stadium door and signed, while there are a host of other players linked, tipped or expected to follow and move to north London.
One such player who is now a dead CAC to join Tavares is Anderlecht Albert Sambi Lokonga. A talented 22-year-old who is more than capable at both ends of the field, the Belgian is an extremely confident central midfielder who is ready to show what he can do on a bigger stage.
He could also be set for a starring role, with Arsenal’s midfield options significantly reduced following the departure of Dani Ceballo and Martin Odegaard, and the soon-to-be-confirmed departure of – or so we believe – Grant Xhaka to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
So what could head coach Mikel Arteta look like approaching this season, and how will Sambi Lokonga fit in? Here are some of the settings that the Spaniard has at his disposal.
Sambi Lokonga is likely to team up with Thomas Partey in the heart of midfield / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
The beauty of Sambi Lokonga is that he is not only a more than competent defensive midfielder, he loves to move forward and use his energy in a box-to-box role.
It could give Arsenal a dynamic midfield partnership as Thomas Partey is cut from the same fabric. The ability to bounce off each other – Vieira and Petit-esque – may be just what the Gunners need to mix things up and add support to the creative trio of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
His signing should also allow Arteta to play full-back four times, provided he has enough confidence in his defense.
Joe Willock is back at Arsenal … at the moment / Charlotte Wilson / Offside / Getty Images
Arsenal do not have many matches to play next season, given that they do not compete in European competition.
But it will probably not detract Arteta from experimenting, so it could be a return to action at the Emirates for Joe Willock. He was superb towards the end of last season while on loan at Newcastle, and his abilities could be used if Sambi Lokonga has the task of sitting deeper.
Outside, Nicolas Pepe could be an invaluable start to his pace and let Sambi Lokonga show off his passing range.
Elneny can be a good foil for Sambi Lokonga / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
If that’s not what Arteta is looking for to change midfielders, it’s probably a good idea to choose Mohamed Elneny.
He is more than happy to sit at the base in midfield, so that Sambi Lokonga gets permission to roam forward and get into advanced areas together with Smith Rowe.
Bukayo Saka’s willingness to go deep and inside can help connect the passing dots, which also allows Sambi Lokonga to stretch his legs when Arsenal want to counter and get in the goal scorer.
Smith Rowe will need a break sometime / FRANK AUGSTEIN / Getty Images
If Arsenal are under the pump, there is always the opportunity to play both Elneny and Partey in deeper withdrawn roles.
Sambi Lokonga is not used to being the main creative force at the midfield tip, but that is not to say that Arteta does not seem to use him in that position and give Smith Rowe – who gets a lot of playing time if he signs a new contract – a bit interruption.
Aubameyang hopes for a more prosperous season / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
There is no guarantee that Arsenal will ditch playing three at the back, even if they settled things in 2020/21.
Playing wingbacks can actually allow Sambi Lokonga and the Partey combination to flourish further, as they will be more licensed to push forward together and be more incentive as they pass.
A player who will love the idea of more direct passing? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is under pressure to get back to his goal.
