Albert Sambi Lokonga has chosen ’48’ as his shirt number as it is the postal code of his hometown Verviers (04800), according to reports in Belgium.
It is believed that Arsenal will officially announce the signing of the 21-year-old imminently, with the midfielder expected to join the Gunners’ pre-season trip to the United States.
Lokonga reportedly arrived in London on Saturday and has been in quarantine since then, so he should be able to train with his new teammates very soon.
There had been reports that Arsenal are considering whether to loan out the Belgian Under 21 international if he doesn’t make an impression on manager Mikel Arteta in friendlies ahead of the start of the campaign.
However, after spending an initial £15m on Lokonga, it would be a massive surprise if he wasn’t part of Arsenal’s first-team plans for the new season, especially with the London club being very light in terms of numbers in the middle of the park.
