Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has admitted he would “love to” sign £20 million-rated Joe Willock from Arsenal on a permanent basis this summer, speaking to the Northern Echo.
The England U21 international arrived on loan at St James’ Park in January as a talented, creative goalscoring midfielder – and he hasn’t disappointed.
His three strikes in Newcastle colours, against Southampton, Tottenham and West Ham United, were classic Willock – arriving late in the penalty area before finishing with ruthless efficiency.
And, when you consider the Magpies haven’t carried a genuine goalscoring threat from central midfield since Gini Wijnaldum’s one and only season on Tyneside, you can see why Bruce is desperate to keep Willock around.
The Echo reports Arsenal are likely to demand a fee in the region of £20 million for their 21-year-old academy graduate.
And, with last week’s dramatic late effort against West Ham still fresh in the mind, Newcastle could certainly find room for a genuine match-winner in their ranks.
“There’s lots of conversations to be had,” Bruce said about Willock. “I think he’s thoroughly enjoyed it (at Newcastle) and I certainly think he enjoyed the adulation last week of scoring the goal. That’s now three vital goals he’s got here.
“Why wouldn’t I (want to keep him here)? He’s 21 years old, he’s young, fit, athletic, and he can score a goal. He’s got wonderful pace and is arguably as quick as anybody we’ve got at the club.
“All his good years are ahead of him – but we have to have a conversation with Arsenal first.
“It’s a bit disrespectful of me because I’m talking about their player, but the move has certainly helped him, and it’s helped us. If there can be something done, I’d love to do it.”
It’s no secret Arsenal are looking to bring in a new number 10 if Martin Odegaard returns to Real Madrid, with Nabil Fekir and Hakan Calhanoglu among those linked.
Coupled with the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and the return of Gabriel Martinelli, it’s hard to imagine Willock commanding a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI next term.
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