“I really want to play in front of the fans”

Luton Town’s latest deal in the summer transfer window is the arrival of Arsenal midfielder Sambi Lokonga on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old Belgium international spoke about the decision, his first experience at Kenilworth Road from the stands last Friday night and the importance of Hatters fans.

“I met some good people here,” Lokonga said. “We had good training sessions at a good facility, so a few days passed and it was very easy to fit in.

“Moving to Arsenal is a big step in my career, I’m proud to wear this Arsenal shirt but first I have work to do at Luton Town. “What I bring to the team is the ability to help teammates with and without the ball, to help them through communication.

“I also had the experience of being on loan at Crystal Palace last season so I know we have to save every score we can.

“We have to be smart and ruthless in front of goal in the Premier League.”

Sambi Lokonga in home jersey, arms crossed.

Luton’s new No. 28 was on hand when the Hatters lost to West Ham United last Friday night, but Lokonga praised our passion for home cheer.

“We didn’t play badly against West Ham on Friday, we almost started the game again until they scored the second goal, that stopped our momentum. “Even after scoring we had a couple of chances to equalize. We have to believe in that all the time and with the fans behind us, we have to work every day in training and every game, we’re going to need the fans this season.

“Before entering the stadium, I could hear the away fans singing and making noise so I was looking forward to playing in front of them. I hope they will energize us throughout the matches we will be playing at home.

READ MORE

The Luton Town development team is expected to enter the Premier League Cup for the first time this season, following our promotion to the top division.

Adrian Forbes’ youngsters are placed in Group D and will play three games at Kenilworth Road, along with Chelsea, Leeds United and Colchester United.

Check out the full fixture list below, all matches kicking off at 7pm:Chelsea (A) – Tuesday 19 September 2023 at Kingsmeadow, KingstonLeeds United (A) – Friday 6 October 2023 at LNER Community Stadium, York

Colchester United (A) – Monday 13 November 2023 at Wallace Binder Stadium, Maldon & Tiptree FC

Chelsea (H) – Tuesday 12 December 2023 at Kenilworth Road

Leeds United (H) – Friday 19 January 2024 at Kenilworth Road

Colchester United (H) – Friday 2nd February 2024 at Kenilworth Road

Please note that this schedule is subject to change and ticket information will be provided promptly.