Ben Foster has claimed that Arsenal selling Joe Willock to Newcastle this summer ‘surprised me the most’, as he told his own YouTube channel.
The English goalkeeper claimed that he just doesn’t get why Arsenal would sell the 22-year-old.
During Willock’s six-month loan at Newcastle last season, he enjoyed a goal-crazy spell, including becoming the youngest player in the Premier League to score in seven games on the bounce.
Despite Mikel Arteta needing goals in his midfield, he was happy enough for Willock, not just to head for the Emirates exit door, but that on a permanent basis.
Watford player Foster shared his thoughts on Willock and how he is a ‘great signing’ for Steve Bruce’s side.
“The one that surprised me the most is Joe Willock,” said Foster. “Arsenal getting rid of Joe Willock, I just don’t get it.
“He showed last season at Newcastle what he can do and he is obviously a very good player. He scores goals. He’s young and English.
“Why you wouldn’t want to hold onto a player like that? I haven’t got a clue. I think it’s Newcastle’s gain and Arsenal’s loss. Great signing for Newcastle.”
Arsenal brought Martin Odegaard back to the club this summer and that perhaps indicated that Arteta prefers him over Willock.
Given that life has already been tough for Arteta in North London, and it has become even worse during the first three games of the new season, that call is one that might just come back to haunt him.
Arsenal already have a ball-carrier, who likes to connect play and play those one-touches, in Emile Smith Rowe, so it has to be questioned why Odegaard was brought back.
Willock performed better during his loan spell in the North East than Odegaard did in his first six months at the Emirates.
Plus, he’s different to what the Gunners already have in their midfield, so this one might just prove to be one of those big mistakes.
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