Arsenal can’t sniff at Joe Willock sale to Newcastle £20m

Arsenal need money. The aforementioned line could easily complete the entire article since, as we are, that requirement will dominate thinking coming into what is set to be a whirlwind summer transfer window. One that means Joe Willock may have to leave.

With neither Joe Willock nor Ainsley Maitland-Niles earning the minutes they were hoping for in the first half of the season, Arsenal sanctioned loan moves for the pair with contrasting plans in mind.

For the latter, an unwillingness to play right-back meant a loan move would always be with an eye on raise his value ahead of a summer sale, one that would see the Hale End contingent diminish in north London but help boost the bank balance for the summer.

In Willock’s case, it’s less binary. The same could be said of a 21-year-old Englishman who had fallen way down the pecking order at Arsenal, yet in an area of the pitch where Arteta is lacking quality of depth, regular outings at Premier League level had the scope to unlock the potential witnessed in doses throughout his time in the first team.

Arsenal eye Joe Willock sale to Newcastle £20m in summer transfer window

Moving to Newcastle there were certainties of playing time, albeit in a different system, although even the most staunch believers in Willock may not have anticipated his impressive displays.

Steve Bruce has waxed lyrical about the midfielder since moving to Tyneside, not least for three vital goals that have helped create breathing space between the Magpies and the drop zone, with relegation now looking unlikely.

"“There are lots of conversations to be had,” Bruce said. “I think he has thoroughly enjoyed it here and certainly the adulation he received last week after scoring the winner. He has scored three big goals for us since he’s been here. Why wouldn’t I want to sign him?”"

Why wouldn’t he? Newcastle bringing Willock in full-time not only boosts the quality in the squad, adding energy and goal threat as a No. 8, but also puts them in a strong position for any resale value if Willock continues to impress.

As per The Telegraph, Bruce’s side are desperate to sign the midfielder permanently, including in the report Arsenal’s asking price of £20m.

Where do Arsenal go from here?