Stoppila Sunzu extends Arsenal Tula loan

New LOSC Lille boss Marcelo Bielsa has opted to send the Zambia international back to Russia for another campaign.

July 7, 2017 • 1:06 PM

CloseEd Dove is a writer and scout who has a deep and enduring passion for African sport, politics and literature. Instagram: @EddyDove22, Facebook: @EddyDoveAfrica

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Zambia international Stoppila Sunzu will spend next season back on loan with Arsenal Tula after LOSC Lille confirmed the move on their official website.

Sunzu signed a permanent deal with Les Dogues in July 2016 after spending a season on loan with the Ligue 1 side from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

However, Sunzu was sent on loan to Russian Premier League side Arsenal Tula in February 2017, and has been deemed surplus to requirements by incoming coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Простите за ожидание! Стоппила Сунзу прибыл в расположение @pfc_arsenal для подписания контракта!���� pic.twitter.com/LAZPKKqVx4

- ПФК Арсенал (@pfc_arsenal) July 5, 2017

Lille confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old Zambian defender would return to the Russian club for the coming campaign, having helped them to 14th place in the top flight last term, making 13 appearances.

Sunzu was part of the Zambia side that won the African Cup of Nations in memorable fashion under enigmatic French coach Herve Renard in 2012. Indeed, it was the centre-back who netted the winning penalty in the final victory over the Ivory Coast.

He also featured for Zambia at the U-20 World Cup in 2007, and has previously represented Zanaco FC, Chateauroux, Sochaux and Tout Puissant Mazembe.

Several other Lille players face uncertain futures under Bielsa, with Vincent Enyeama, Eder and Rio Mavuba among 11 names reportedly frozen out by the charismatic Argentine coach.