Joe Willock has told Sky Sports that he is yet to decide whether he wants to return to Arsenal yet.
Arsenal have loaned out Willock to Newcastle United until the end of the season, and the youngster has made a bright start to life at St. James’ Park.
Willock scored on his debut for Newcastle, as he immediately cemented his place in Steve Bruce’s side’s starting line-up.
The prospect’s goal is sure to have attracted attention at Arsenal too, who will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
But when asked about his Arsenal future, Willock seemingly was keeping all his options open.
“I’m trying to focus on what I have to do now, focus on Newcastle United. I’m not really looking at Arsenal at the moment,” he said.
“I’m here to prove to Newcastle United that I can play every week and affect the games and win games for them. I’m not really looking at Arsenal, when that time comes for me to make a decision to go back or not that will come but right now, I’m focused on Newcastle and I’m loving every minute that I’m here.”
There has been no suggestions that Arsenal don’t want to keep Willock, as Mikel Arteta seems to rate the academy graduate.
However, he is now getting a taste of regular first-team action and that may leave him wanting more.
If Willock can impress at Newcastle then it is not beyond the realms of all possibility that he could force his way into Arteta’s plans for next season.
But with Arsenal already having the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey at the club, getting into their midfield could be difficult.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
