Crystal Palace are closing in on a loan deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga following Arsenal’s agreement to sign Jorginho, according to reports.

Alan Nixon broke the news on Tuesday morning that Crystal Palace had made a late move to try and sign Albert Sambi Lokonga from Arsenal on loan.

Palace had been keen on Lokonga before he even joined Arsenal, and they’re now pushing to sign him on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The deal suits both parties, as Palace could offer Lokonga minutes and it would allow them to save their money for a permanent midfield signing in the summer – likely a push for Conor Gallagher.

Graeme Bailey reports that Arsenal and Palace are now close to finalising a loan move for the Belgian international.

On the surface of it, the Lokonga deal looked to be part of a series of deadline-day dominoes.

Arsenal are unlikely to sanction a deal for Lokonga’s departure until they’ve secured the signing of Jorginho, and there were suggestions Chelsea wouldn’t finalise that move until they’d completed their deal for Enzo Fernandez.

However, David Ornstein now reports that Jorginho’s move is independent of – and unrelated to – Chelsea’s pursuit of Fernandez. So that could help to speed things along.

Lokonga clearly needs minutes on the pitch, particularly in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old hasn’t made a league appearance since October 1st, a run of 11 Arsenal games without starting or coming on.

The chance to work with a top former midfielder in Patrick Vieira should also help Lokonga.

As with all deadline-day deals, it’s now about getting everything over the line before 11pm.