Arsenal could be yet another step closer to sounding out their future look under Mikel Arteta as the definition for the role of Belgian international midfielder Sambi Lokonga may have been revealed.
As per The Athletic (cited by @afcstuff on Twitter), the former RSC Anderlecht starlet is viewed by the Arsenal coaching staff as the potential long-term successor for Thomas Partey in the 6 role at the heart of the Gunners midfield.
The Arsenal coaching staff regard Albert Sambi Lokonga as a better fit for the #6 role Partey currently occupies. The possibility of fielding Smith Rowe as a ‘free eight’ is intriguing but Arteta values highly the solidity & leadership Xhaka brings. [@TheAthleticUK] #afc pic.twitter.com/cyolHNSqdf
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) March 9, 2022
This should not come as a surprise to anyone, however. Lokonga already featured prominently at Anderlecht in that role across three seasons before coming to Arsenal as both an out-and-out defensive midfielder, but also a deeper sitting midfielder in a central pairing while operating as the 6.
With the future of Mohamed Elneny seemingly forever in question at the Emirates, Lokonga represents probably the only other player in the first-team ranks capable of being utilized in such a deployment. Other long-term midfield options the likes of Charlie Patino and Miguel Azeez still have no definitive direction yet given their continued development.
An adaptative role for Emile Smith Role at Arsenal?
Arsenal is currently on the pathway that leads to the Champions League promised land next season with a potential top-four finish leaving many in the fanbase salivating at the prospect of once more squaring-off against the continental elite.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
One reason for much of their domestic success in the Premier League this season has been Hale End graduate Emile Smith Rowe, as the England international sits atop the club’s goalscoring chart this term (9-goals) and joint-ninth in the league overall.
But his role under Mikel Arteta could potentially change as the same report in The Athletic highlights a potential positional swap for the Gunners star that could see him retasked as a mobile 8.
Though deployed as a winger on paper to great effect this season, Smith Rowe so often already takes up positions far more central during both the build-up phase and in the final third when Arsenal are on the attack. Switching him to a more dedicated central role could offer some interesting tactical options moving forward.
