Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Football.London that Joe Willock is part of his plans after reported talks over a new move to Newcastle United.
Willock showed promise in the Europa League last season but was sent out on loan to Newcastle United on deadline day in the winter transfer window.
The 21-year-old smashed eight goals in in 14 games for the Magpies, enjoying a quite remarkable run during his time on Tyneside.
Scoring seven times in the final seven games of the season was a stunning way to say goodbye to Newcastle, but the Magpies aren’t quite ready to let go.
The Times reported on Tuesday evening that Newcastle have opened talks with Arsenal in an attempt to thrash out a deal for Willock to head back to St James’ Park on loan.
Willock wasn’t named in the Arsenal squad to face Hibernian in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night, leaving Newcastle fans hoping that a deal was close.
However, Arsenal boss Arteta has now claimed that Willock was actually out through a groin injury rather than a transfer-related reason.
Arteta had Willock trained ‘really well’ on Monday but wasn’t risked and is part of the plans at Arsenal, denting Newcastle’s hopes of a deal.
“Well he wasn’t involved today because he had a little groin issue,” said Arteta.
“He trained yesterday really well but we didn’t want to risk him. Joe is part of our plans, he’s our player and in the time that he is here we will try to make the most out of him. He had a great experience on loan. He was I think he was one of the most important players for their survival,” he added.
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