Newcastle United are reportedly inching closer to signing Joe Willock on a permanent deal, having reached an agreement over a £25 million fee with Arsenal.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Joe Willock appears set to make his way to Newcastle United once again before the summer transfer window slams shut. This time around, though, the 21-year-old midfielder will be joining the Magpies on a permanent deal, with an agreement being reached over a £25 million transfer fee.
Joe Willock has been with Arsenal over a decade and a half, having joined the club before he even turned five back in 2004. The youngster subsequently grew rapidly through the ranks at the north London club before breaking into the first-team setup in 2017. Since then, though, the 21-year-old has not made a lot of progress, which has often left his managers frustrated.
To date, Willock has made 78 appearances for Arsenal chipping in with 11 goals and eight assists in the process. However, it is while he was on loan at Newcastle United that the youngster finally showed why he had been rated highly at youth levels.
In the second half of last season, Willock turned out 14 times for the Magpies netting eight goals along the way. In the process, he has also become a member of a select group of players to have scored in seven successive Premier League games.
Having made such a rapid impression at St. James’ Park it was clear to see why Newcastle United have been keen on signing Willock from Arsenal. And now, they seem to have worked their charm on Arsenal, having reached an agreement over a summer move for the young midfielder.
As per Sky Sports, Arsenal and Newcastle have agreed a £25 million deal for the transfer of the 21-year-old English midfielder. This move comes in the wake of some public comments by Steve Bruce pointing towards his eagerness to see the deal being taken over the line.
The £25 million move is yet to be finalised, though, with Newcastle United yet to agree personal terms with Willock. However, the Magpies are hopeful that the transfer will be completed in time for Willock to be available for their opening Premier League game of the 2021/22 season this coming week. As for Arsenal, his move could provide them with a shot in the arm to fund further transfers this summer.