sport news Crystal Palace sign out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on ... trends now Crystal Palace complete deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season - as Patrick Vieira eyes unlikely late move for Man United winger Anthony Elanga By Sami Mokbel and Liam Morgan For Mailonline Published: 21:00 GMT, 31 January 2023 | Updated: 21:00 GMT, 31 January 2023 Viewcomments Crystal Palace have signed Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season. Lokonga has started just two league games for Mikel Arteta's men this term, with the Arsenal boss preferring a midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard. The 23-year-old could now be set for more game time at Selhurst Park after Palace reached an agreement with the Gunners. Crystal Palace have signed Arsenal's Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season Lokonga has been kept out of the Arsenal starting line-up by Thomas Partey this season Lokonga's latest appearance for the Premier League leaders came on Friday when he replaced Partey at half time against Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder struggled to make an impact from the bench as Arsenal slipped to a 1-0 defeat and exited the FA Cup. Lokonga has had a difficult first 18 months at Arsenal since arriving from Anderlecht in July 2021, and has been limited to just 39 appearances during this period. Arsenal are also closing in on a deal for Chelsea's Jorginho, which may push Lokonga even further down the pecking order. Patrick Vieira wants to strengthen his midfield before the transfer window closes A move to south London could allow him to find some form as Patrick Vieira looks to his former club for reinforcements. Palace are currently 12th in the Premier League table but have only won once since domestic football returned last month. Vieira has limited options in the middle of the park, and the Eagles have been linked with a move for Conor Gallagher, who enjoyed a fine loan spell at the club last season. Gallagher wants to fight for his place at Chelsea or move to a 'Big Six' club, though, and Palace now look to have turned their attention to Lokonga as a potential alternative. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility