Albert Sambi Lokonga admits he had doubts over his Arsenal future under Mikel Arteta (Getty)
Mikel Arteta insists Albert Sambi Lokonga still needs to prove himself at Arsenal after the midfielder admitted he was unhappy with his lack of playing time.
Earlier this month, Lokonga revealed that he considered leaving the Gunners at the end of last season having failed to secure a regular role under Arteta.
The 23-year-old has started just two games in the Premier League this season and has featured more in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign.
‘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,’ Lokonga said.
‘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.’
Albert Sambi Lokonga has been an ever-present in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign (Shutterstock)
However, Arteta has called on Lokonga to show why he deserved to start more games for Arsenal.
When asked how he keeps players happy, Arteta replied: ‘Play them and then speak on the pitch, that’s the best way.’
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Asked if he believes Lokonga has done enough to prove his place at Arsenal, Arteta replied: ‘We will see more and he needs to prove that what he’s asking for, he can produce on the pitch.
‘And 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 we can win and play good enough to win the games.’
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Lokonga admits he had doubts over his position at Arsenal.