Crystal Palace are keen on Joe Willock but the Arsenal youngster still has his heart set on a return to Premier League rivals Newcastle United, as reported by 90Min.
It always felt like Willock and Newcastle would be a match made in heaven rather than a marriage of footballing convenience.
While the England U21 international struggled to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI, Steve Bruce was crying out for someone capable of breaking into the penalty area and providing a reliable source of goals from midfield.
Someone like Willock, to put it bluntly.
Having said that, few predicted the level of impact Willock would make at St James’ Park, even if his signing felt like an inspired piece of business from day one.
In just 11 starts, the London-born dynamo found the net eight times.
He even scored in seven successive games at the end of the season, equalling a record set by the legendary Alan Shearer while almost single-handedly dragging Newcastle out of the relegation mire.
No wonder Bruce wants him back.
Will Joe Willock choose Newcastle return over Crystal Palace?
According to 90Min, Crystal Palace have an interest in Willock too.
But, despite the presence of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira in the Selhurst Park dugout, it’s understood Willock would choose Newcastle over other offers.
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And while Arteta has pledged to offer the academy graduate a bigger role at the Emirates, Arsenal won’t stand in Willock’s way if he’s determined to head north again.
The report adds Newcastle may also be handed a chance to sign the 21-year-old permanently in summer 2022 via a £15 million obligation-to-buy clause.
On the evidence of last season’s staggering loan spell, Willock would be worth every penny of that £15 million fee.
“He’s a player I like. He has some special qualities and he’s showing it with his performances, goals and attitude,” Arteta told The Sun.
“The thing is we have a big squad a the moment.”
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