MOURINHO ADDS ARSENAL STAR TO LIST AS POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS FOR WIJNALDUM

Italian outlet AS Roma Live claim that Jose Mourinho has compiled a list of possible replacements for Gini Wijnaldum after the Dutchman broke his leg – and that list includes Arsenal outcast Albert Sambi Lokonga. After just one outing for Roma following his move from PSG, Wijnaldum has suffered a horrific injury. Roma need to replace the Dutchman, who was always going to be a crucial part of Mourinho’s side this season.

Plenty have been linked with the Europa Conference League champions – and the latest name is Lokonga. The 22-year-old only managed 12 Premier League starts for the Gunners last season. This season, he is struggling to play. Indeed, Lokonga has only managed two very late appearances in Arsenal’s first three games. The £18million signing may have to leave in the next few days to improve his chances of game time and Roma are interested.

He needs to leave Arsenal and join a club on loan, where he is getting plenty of game time. He has become a bit stuck in a crucial part of his career with the Gunners. Is Roma the right move? That is a questionable one. Arsenal have Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard as midfield options. Lokonga might get the odd game in the Europa League, and the domestic cups – but not in the league.
Would that not be similar at Roma?

Mourinho’s side still boasts the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nemanja Matic and Bryan Cristante. Mourinho’s system only includes two central midfielders. Lokonga would only be back-up. So, Roma need a midfielder – but only one that will cover. Again, sitting on the bench in the league but perhaps getting game time in the Europa League and the Coppa Italia. It is a sideways move for Lokonga