Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga (born 22 October 1999) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Crystal Palace, on loan from Arsenal, and the Belgium national team. Sambi Lokonga came through Anderlecht's youth academy and made his senior debut with the club in 2017. Club career Anderlecht Having first joined their youth academy in 2010, Sambi Lokonga signed his first professional contract with Anderlecht on 10 November 2017. He made his professional debut for Anderlecht in a 1–0 Belgian First Division A win over Eupen on 22 December 2017. In November 2019, Sambi Lokonga extended his contract with the club until 2023. On 27 September 2020, he scored the first goal of his senior career as Anderlecht drew 1–1 with Eupen. Arsenal On 19 July 2021, Sambi Lokonga signed a long-term contract with English club Arsenal after completing an approximately £17.2 million transfer, subject to the completion of regulatory processes. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was impressed with Sambi Lokonga, citing his intelligence and maturity for a young player. Sambi Lokonga made his debut in a 2−0 away loss against Brentford. Crystal Palace On 31 January 2023, fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace announced the signing of Sambi Lokonga on a short-term loan deal until the end of the 2022−23 season. He made his debut for the club on 4 February, coming on as a substitute for Will Hughes in a 2–1 away loss to Manchester United. International career Having previously played for Belgium at Belgium U17, Belgium U19 and Belgium U21 levels, Sambi Lokonga was called up to the senior Belgium squad in March 2021. He made his debut on 2 September 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia, a 5–2 away victory. He was introduced as a substitute for Eden Hazard in the 74th minute. Media Sambi Lokonga was involved in the Amazon Original sports docuseries All or Nothing: Arsenal, which documented the club by spending time with the coaching staff and players behind the scenes both on and off the field throughout their 2021–22 season. Personal life Sambi Lokonga was born in Belgium and is of Congolese descent, and his brother Paul-José M'Poku is also a professional footballer. He grew up in Verviers. Career statistics Club International References External links Profile at the Arsenal F.C. website Profile at the Premier League website 1999 births Living people Footballers from Liège Province Belgian footballers Belgium youth