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?

Arsenal Will Struggle to Turn Down £20m Joe Willock Bid

How much is a player worth in the current pandemic-affected market? How long is a piece of string?

Whether or not Willock has enough quality to play for Arsenal moving forward, £20m as a fee is undervaluing him. Not in terms of his ability, though, and simply down to age, profile and contract length.

With two years left to run in the summer, more than just Newcastle will try their hand at a goalscoring No. 8 who not only fits the homegrown quota but has mass resale value. However, given the state of club finances and the market itself, the fee is tough to nail down.

It’s broken record territory but Liverpool are regularly heralded for earning mass sums for their young talent, even if 95% of the fees accrued are leaps above what they’re truly worth. Is £20m enough for Willock? Arsenal could certainly plump higher, something that may occur if other clubs enter the fray.

Even if that fee would stick at what it is, Arsenal will struggle to turn it down with an ‘unprecedented’ summer on the horizon. Talk of investment from the owners needs taking with a fistful of salt, and the outcome of the Europa League campaign will also have a huge bearing on activity.

If Arsenal are faced with no European football next season, sell Mohamed Elneny and don’t bring Dani Ceballos in permanently, then there is definitely a spot for Willock in the squad. There will only be Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey left.

Who they can bring in, how many they can bring in and at what price will all factor in to the summer transfer window. If Willock is up for sale at £20m then one would like to imagine there is a transfer strategy in place for that area of the park, even if faith in the higher ups has taken a knockout blow.

In the case of Arsenal adding quality in midfield and having the right numbers come the start of next season, then Willock should be allowed to leave. £20m, however, is money Newcastle would snap at. If they’d bite at that price, other clubs will go higher.