Arsenal transfer stance with Joe Willock and Newcastle revealed

Having watched one midfielder put in his worst display for Arsenal in the defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, talk emerging of Joe Willock departing the club comes at an awkward time.

Dani Ceballos will not be at the Emirates next season and if he is there needs to be a John Henry-esque inquest into what is being smoked in north London. With him gone, Arsenal will be left with four central midfielders at the club which can stretch to five if accounting for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The Hale Ender is heading for the exit door, however, with his chance to play in midfield not coming at Arsenal and a reluctance to play at right-back meaning a summer departure is inevitable.

Thomas Partey is here to stay and Granit Xhaka, for all his flaws, is the second best option at the club and can only leave if a suitable replacement is secured, which grows ever more challenging given the financial situation and potential lack of European football. As for Mohamed Elneny, he’s way below the standard required but it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him earn an undeserved contract extension.

Arsenal open to summer Joe Willock sale with Newcastle eyeing season-long loan

That leaves Joe Willock.

Joining Newcastle on loan in January, the 21-year-old has grasped the opportunity of regular Premier League minutes with both hands and been the Magpies’ best player since his arrival at St James’ Park.

Steve Bruce’s side have been horrendous all season which makes the performances of Willock stand out even more in a sea of mediocrity – that being Newcastle’s sea, not Arsenal’s, just for clarification.

Unsurprisingly, the Sunday Mirror (via TBR) report that Newcastle would like to take Willock on loan again for next season, while Arsenal would prefer a permanent switch. Much will depend on which division the Toon are plying their trade in, as relegation becomes an increasingly likely outcome.

There doesn’t appear to be a career for Willock at his boyhood club. Under normal circumstances there would be scope for another loan, but the situation is so dire that Arsenal need money wherever they can scramble it from.

The squad needs gutting and reshaping, with no obvious room for Willock, even if he’d be doing a better job than Dani Ceballos would. Is it one they’d regret?