Sambi Lokonga has received plaudit from Burnley manager Vincent Kompany after an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace under Patrick Viera before being sacked.
The 23-year-old was sent on loan in January by Mikel Arteta after failing to impress in his first two seasons at the club. But his recent performance at Crystal Palace has drawn the attention of Kompany who believes he is a great talent.
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However, Kompany has dismissed the rumours that the Arsenal midfielder could join Premier League newcomers Burnley in the summer transfer window.
Lokonga’s future uncertain
Lokonga joined Patrick Vieira's side in January before being sacked some months later. His performance under Viera was noticeable even though the team was not performing at full gear.
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However, since the appointment of Roy Hodgson, the midfielder has seen less playing time and it's looking unlikely that Crystal Palace will make his transfer permanent in the summer.
Arsenal may have hoped to see Lokonga hit the ground running which could raise his market value in the summer but now his future looks more uncertain than ever, with Crystal Palace not making any move for a permanent transfer.
Kompany dismiss transfer speculations
Lokonga captained Anderlecht under Kompany before joining Arsenal nearly two years ago and the Burnley manager has dismissed reports that he could come to Lokonga’s rescue during the off-season.
Kompany said, “I’m going to keep it very simple, I always follow every player with a past at Anderlecht. I just try to see how they evolve. Lokonga? He was financially very important for Anderlecht in that period.
“The fact that I’m talking about him now doesn’t mean anything about a transfer for next season. He had a serious injury and is still a great talent. He really came back strong from that injury.”