Report: Arsenal want to sell Willock and use the money to buy 22-year-old called ‘top quality’ by Emery

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Arsenal want to sell Joe Willock and use those funds to buy Martin Odegaard, the Telegraph claim.

Odegaard has joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid and Mikel Arteta has quickly become a big admirer of the playmaker.

Even former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is a huge fan of the Norwegian and said he was ‘top quality’ before their recent clash in the Europa League (Football London).

It now seems that Odegaard has become a priority target for Arsenal, but he is unlikely to come cheaply.

Madrid know that the 22-year-old is a valuable asset, given his age and quality.

Arsenal, though, are said to be hoping to fund the deal by selling Willock – whose value has rose in recent times.

Willock has scored six goals in six games out on loan at Newcastle United, which has seen his reputation rise.

Arsenal can surely expect to fetch a sizeable figure for their own academy graduate, which could then be invested into purchasing Odegaard.

Whether they would be making the right call remains to be seen.

Odegaard may have more poise and be a better passer than Willock, but the Newcastle loanee looks to be a bigger goal threat.

Willock has scored more goals in his last six games than Odegaard has since the start of 2020.

And although the 22-year-old does posses other qualities, he would be under significant pressure to impress if Arsenal do bring him in at the expense of Willock.

Intriguingly the report conflicts with what Arteta said at his press conference today, where he hinted Willock would be part of Arsenal’s squad next term.