‘I’m disappointed’: Martin Keown fumes over what Arteta’s done at Arsenal, £22m exit imminent

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Well, Joe Willock has seemingly left Arsenal to join Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that a £22 million deal was in the offing and could’ve been finalised as soon as last night.

It isn’t official but Newcastle boss Steve Bruce confirmed in a press conference today that it was effectively a done deal, with an announcement looking imminent.

Willock came through Arsenal’s academy and scored eight Premier League goals during a half-season loan at St James’s Park last term.

And Gunners legend Martin Keown isn’t happy with the sale, or Arteta’s refusal to give him a chance.

He told talkSPORT: “I’m disappointed, as an Arsenal man and I’m sure the academy is. He hasn’t been given the opportunity when he’s come back [from the North East]. Arteta’s made a very clear decision that he doesn’t feel he’s good enough for Arsenal. He’s going to be used as collateral to buy a new player, but I think Joe Willock could’ve played in a different position, maybe a deep-lying playmaker.”

Sick

Like Keown, a lot of Arsenal fans won’t be happy about the 21-year-old leaving.

This is a lad who’s been on the club’s books since the age of four and the fact that he’s on the move, without ever really getting a chance, is going to sicken supporters.

He has only ever started 12 Premier League games for the Gunners and with his goalscoring form well documented after his stint with the Magpies, this could blow up in Arsenal’s face.

That being said, the North Londoners need money to finance more deals in this summer’s transfer window and if Willock’s sale leads to a James Maddison or Martin Odegaard, perhaps the fans will come around eventually.