Joe Willock to be sold in the summer?

Joe Willock moved from Arsenal to Newcastle United in January in a loan move that has proven to be extremely fruitful for both the youngster and Newcastle.

By Dan George18 May 2021 21:02 BST

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Joe Willock of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring their sides third goal, missing from the penalty spot but scoring the rebound during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on May 14, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Joe Willock has become the youngest player to score five goals in a row in the Premier League since Gunners invincible Jose Antonio Reyes in 2004. Arsenal sent their box-to-box midfielder to Tyneside in a loan move with an aim to develop one of their hottest academy prospects.

Season so far.

So far, Newcastle United fans have been very happy with their loan signing of Willock who has been a crucial part of their side since his debut where the England under 23 international scored vs Southampton.

Arsenal’s Hale End graduate has scored six times so far this season earning his side crucial points in their fight to remain in the Premier League.

The Magpies currently sit 16^th in the league table and, with the relegation of Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United confirmed. Steve Bruce’s side have their safety confirmed and they will remain in the top tier of English football for the 2021/22 season.

Willock’s goals have been crucial in gaining the Magpies points this season, late equalising goals vs Tottenham and Liverpool earned his side two critical away points.

Manchester City, Leicester City, West Ham and Southampton make up the other teams to concede goals at the hands of Arsenal’s promising midfielder.

The manager’s take

Steve Bruce made no secret of his desire to keep the Arsenal midfielder in Tyneside with the Magpies boss saying:

“All of us would love to make it permanent. He’s 21, a midfield player and he has scored five goals since the turn of the year (Now six). Of course, we want him, but we have to respect that he is Arsenal’s player.”

(Talksport)

Newcastle and Premier League legend Alan Shearer expressed his desire for his side to sign the Arsenal Youngster permanently via twitter. Shearer replied to a tweet asking if Willock could start for Arsenal next season and said:

“Hopefully not no!”

Are the Gunners willing to sell?

It has been suggested that despite Arsenal being Willock’s boyhood club, the midfielder would be open to leaving for Newcastle in a quest for more regular first team football.

The rumoured asking price for Willock is around the £20 million mark. It does, however, remain to be seen if the Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will release the funds for Steve Bruce to purchase the player.

Arsenal fans will hope that Willock can return to Arsenal over the summer for pre-season and bring his goals and assists to the Arsenal first team on a regular basis for the next campaign.