By Liam Thomas

18th Oct, 2022 | 8:10am

Arsenal midfielder Sambi Lokonga admits he almost quit the London club

Arsenal midfielder Sambi Lokonga has claimed he almost quit life at the London club after becoming disillusioned with his playing time.

The 22-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s flourishing squad in the summer of 2021 from Anderlecht for £18million and started 16 times for the Gunners last season.

Lokonga admitted he almost snapped last season and rang his agent asking if moving to Arsenal was a good idea.

“At the end of last season, I almost snapped,” he said as quoted by the Sun.

“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.”

Not great.

Lokonga has had a better time of it so far this season and has appeared for Arsenal in six of the Gunners’ 11 Premier League fixtures, alongside three starts in the UEFA Europa League.

Every Arsenal fan can admit that Lokonga has looked average at best in his outings this campaign and he definitely isn’t warranting a start right now.

Maybe things can change for the youngster but for now, his spot on Arsenal’s bench is warranted and he’ll remain there unless he has a drastic change in form or fortunes.

Lokonga seems to struggle with finding consistency in his performances, a vital attribute needed to play weekly in one of the Premier League’s top teams.

Although the comments made by him saying he almost snapped aren’t shining the midfielder in the best of lights, he needs to work harder to gain that starting position.

In football, you aren’t entitled to anything and if you are not performing it will be clear to fans and the coaching staff that you are undeserving of a place in the squad.

In other Football wonder kids news, Tino Livramento could be in Boehly’s sights in January after the latest injury to Reece James.