Newcastle United and Joe Willock have agreed personal terms with the Arsenal midfielder now all set to move to Tyneside.
According to Football Insider, Joe Willock is on the verge of joining Newcastle United after both parties agreed on final terms. The deal looked in jeopardy yesterday after reports emerged of discontent over personal terms, but all those issues have been solved. The Tyneside club will announce the capture imminently.
Joe Willock’s future was a doubt right from the start of pre-season. The youngster saw only 48 minutes of action with a transfer hanging over his head. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was well aware of the situation and eventually greenlit the move to Newcastle.
Willock was majorly used by Arteta last season in the Europa League and occasionally in the Premier League. However, to improve his playing time, he joined Newcastle on loan in January and made a huge impression. He played a huge role in guiding the Magpies away to safety, scoring 8 goals in his 14 appearances.
He also has an ongoing seven-game scoring streak with Newcastle, while some of his goals were either crucial winners or equalisers against the big sides. Willock will now hope to improve that goal streak as he can now settle as a permanent Magpies player rather than an on-loan star.
Newcastle pushed for a move all summer, but Arsenal and Arteta remained uncertain. They also included Willock among other players in a swap deal proposal for Leicester City’s James Maddison to decrease the price tag while the Magpies were patiently waiting.
However, in recent days, Arsenal and Newcastle came to an agreement worth £25 million, including add-ons for Willock. The cash injection will help the Gunners’ cause as they step up their chase for an attacking midfielder. The north Londoners still have many other players to sell before the transfer window shuts.
Reports emerged that there were problems between Newcastle and Joe Willock with regards to personal terms. Some suggested it was a pay issue, while most stories indicated the dispute was regarding the length of the contract on offer.
Those doubts have been put to bed as credible sources reveal an agreement was stuck over personal terms, and Willock will move imminently. The young midfielder reportedly bid his goodbyes at London Colney and is on the way up north for a medical.
The Magpies are desperate to register him before Friday’s noon deadline, making him eligible to face West Ham United in their opening encounter. The midfielder fits Steve Bruce’ system perfectly and has a clear eye for goal. Newcastle are expected to make a swift announcement as soon as formalities are completed. While Bruce will be a happy man, the fans alike will be looking forward to seeing Willock build his career at Tyneside.
