Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed that a phone call with Patrick Vieira convinced him to join Crystal Palace loan.

The midfielder was allowed to leave the Emirates after Mikel Arteta recruited Jorginho from Chelsea.

Lokonga told Palace's website: “It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] because as you can see they are top of the league.

“But for me, the important thing was the confidence of the coach (Patrick Vieira).

“I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives.

“He said to me 'welcome'. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it."