Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce remains interested in Joe Willock and wants to sign the Arsenal midfielder permanently before the window closes.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United remain keen to sign Joe Willock permanently in the coming weeks. Their manager Steve Bruce was left impressed by the midfielder’s performances on loan and has urged Arsenal to make a quick decision on his future.
Joe Willock played primarily in the Europa League group stage games and cup games for Arsenal last season until he went on loan to Newcastle. At St.James Park, the midfielder was a revelation, scoring 8 goals in his 14 appearances. He also became the youngest player to score in seven consecutive games.
It’s quite obvious Willock made a solid impression on those in charge of Newcastle United, especially manager Steve Bruce. The Magpies want to bring him back and are pushing to complete a transfer. Arsenal, however, remain undecided over their midfielder’s future as they are still forming their squad for next season.
Arsenal have to deal with the impending departure of Granit Xhaka and are focusing their efforts to bring a reliable replacement. They have signed Albert Sambi Lokonga, but he will not be thrust into the starting lineup. The Gunners are on the trails of Manuel Locatelli and also remain interested in Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
The understanding is that Willock’s future will depend on the club’s ability to sign a midfielder before the transfer window shuts. While Arteta acknowledges his midfielder’s talents and performances at Newcastle, the player reportedly does not fit his system. And, Magpies boss Steve Bruce is intent on taking him back to the club this summer on a permanent basis.
Arsenal have been against another loan deal and want an outright sale for Willock. The Gunners value Willock at around £20 million and want assurances over a fee, which Newcastle have been unable to provide yet.
Bruce has several alternatives in mind, including Chelsea’s Conor Gallager, who spent last season with West Brom. Like Arsenal, even Chelsea are yet to decide on the midfielder’s future. In any case, Willock remains Newcastle’s priority target as he perfectly fits into their system and provides a different dimension.
It remains to be seen how serious an offer Newcastle prepare for Willock. The chances of Arteta allowing the midfielder to leave the club are high, but the Gunners want the best value for their young midfielder. Whether the Magpies be able to afford a permanent deal for the young English midfielder remains the question.
