Albert Sambi Lokonga 'has no plans to leave Arsenal amid AC Milan links'

Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is reportedly expected to reject any chance to sign for AC Milan.

Lokonga endured a mixed first year at the Emirates Stadium, making a total of 24 appearances in all competitions.

However, only half of those outings were from the starting lineup in the Premier League, the 22-year-old not doing enough to sufficiently impress head coach Mikel Arteta.

Earlier this summer, it was suggested that the Belgium international may be given the opportunity to spend this campaign out on loan.

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According to football.london, Lokonga has remained consistent with his stance that he does not want to depart the Gunners in the short term.

That report comes at a time when AC Milan are said to be monitoring any developments with regards to Lokonga's future.

Arsenal continue to be linked with the likes of Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, who would leave his compatriot further down the pecking order.

With Arteta having acknowledged in the past that he would like to give his fringe members an opportunity to move elsewhere, that may potentially apply to Lokonga in the future.

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Nevertheless, it appears that the player would rather wait for his chance in North London than take up any offer to represent Milan.

Lokonga was only named as a substitute for Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the opening match of the Premier League on Friday night.

While he made an outing during the second half, it came in the 89th minute when Arteta's side had effectively wrapped up the three points.

Lokonga, who arrived from Anderlecht, still has four years remaining on his contract.