Sources contacted by Get French Football News can reveal that it is unlikely that Arsenal’s Sambi Lokonga (23) will join AS Monaco this month, although the Principality club’s interest in the player was genuine. 

Lokonga has found himself largely on the periphery of the Arsenal squad and has struggled for consistent game time since arriving from Belgium. This season, the Belgium international has featured 15 times for the Gunners, but only six of those have been starts. 

Monaco, who are set to loan out Félix Lemarechal, and who have also attracted interest for Jean Lucas have been considering recruiting another midfielder this month. Get French Football News can confirm Foot Mercato’s news of Monaco’s interest in Lokonga, and contact was made with the player’s entourage. 

However, contrary to reports in the French media, Monaco did not submit a bid for the player. Foot Mercato had reported that an €8m bid had been rejected last week. Sources contacted by Get French Football News have reported that any incomings this month are unlikely, although the club, who were potentially in the market for a Benoît Badiashile replacement, were interested in Club Brugge’s Abakar Sylla (20). 

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Félix Lemarechal looks set to leave Monaco on loan on deadline day to join Ligue 1 rivals Stade Brestois on loan. The deal won’t include a purchase option. Jean Lucas, who has attracted interest from ESTAC Troyes, Besiktas and RCD Espanyol, is another potential departure, but any move for the Brazilian midfielder seems complicated and unlikely at this late stage.