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Arsenal ponder Joe Willock transfer u-turn
When Joe Willock left Arsenal on loan in January the aim was, in binary terms, to get him playing the regular football he wasn’t getting in north London. What that would entail at the end of the season is up for debate, but what a few months it’s been for the midfielder.
Averaging a goal every 160 minutes for Newcastle since joining temporarily, the Joe Willock that there had been signs of during this season’s Europa League has been beginning to reemerge. Is he a certified starter for Arsenal yet after some clutch goals for a poor Magpies side? Far too soon for that but his overall displays have been superb.
With reports arising that Arsenal were looking at offers of £20m for the Hale Ender, it suggested that the loan move was sanctioned with an eye on accruing a richly needed financial injection to aid the summer rebuild.
It might not be as simple as that, though.
#NUFC want to "build a side around" Joe Willock - but what is happening regarding his future?#AFC are undecided & weighing up what to do, while #NUFC's likely preference for another loan complicates matters.
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) May 4, 2021
The situation outlined w/ @gunnerbloghttps://t.co/mqz3RjsLeq
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ponders Joe Willock transfer u-turn after it reports the midfielder would be sold
"Technical director Edu said after the deal was announced: “Joe is a talented young player and an important member of our first-team squad. This can be seen in the number of appearances he has made for us in recent seasons.”"
Loan deals can have more than one intention in mind: let the player develop with regular minutes before reintegrating him into the squad and with the potential of garnering concrete interest that could prompt a sale too good to turn down.
While it had appeared to be the latter, Mikel Arteta stated (via The Chronicle) that Willock will be given his chance in pre-season to impress. His comments suggest the club are still undecided on what route to take with Willock, prompting them to ponder a rethink on his future.
His performances merit that conversation.
Bizarrely used as a substitute in his last four outings despite the huge praise he’s received both from Steve Bruce, Toon supporters and those from afar, the Magpies are desperate to keep hold of Willock for next season with an eye on ‘building the team around him’. He’s held in very high regard.
But why are Arsenal now mulling over the decision?