Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, journalist Ian McGarry has shared an update on Joe Willock’s Arsenal future amid continued links to Newcastle United.
It’s no secret that Newcastle want to bring the midfielder back to St James’ Park after such a fantastic spell with the Magpies towards the back end of last season.
However, Arsenal seemingly have no intention of letting Willock return to Newcastle.
What’s been said?
McGarry gave an update on Willock and Newcastle’s interest.
“No, my information is that Newcastle have made an improved offer in terms of loan fee to take Joe Willock again for the season, but Arsenal have declined that offer and in doing so have informed the player and his agent that he is in Mikel Arteta’s plans having proven himself in this division with Newcastle, so it looks to me like they will retain Willock on the basis that he will get game time and they will develop him at the Emirates rather than having him do so elsewhere. I’m not saying he definitely won’t go out on loan, but at the moment Arteta is keeping his options open,” McGarry said.
Right decision
As much as Newcastle fans won’t like to hear it, Arsenal are making the right decision when it comes to Willock.
The midfielder proved he’s up to playing at this level last season, so Arsenal keeping him around makes the world of sense, and after the departures of Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard there could be a space for him in the midfield.
If Willock can replicate his Newcastle form with Arsenal then the Gunners could be in for a much more successful campaign.
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