Arsenal set for Joe Willock bid from Newcastle

Arsenal will have their resolve tested by Newcastle as Steve Bruce’s side prepare to bid for Joe Willock in the summer transfer window.

Infamously bad at loaning players, Arsenal struck gold with Joe Willock whose time in the north east has been nothing short of sensational. The midfielder has played a key role in rescuing Newcastle’s season, with his performances steering them well clear of the bottom three.

That is largely in part to his outstanding scoring run. Having netted against Southampton early on in his time at St James’ Park, Willock is now on a remarkable run of six goals in consecutive matches, smashing a Premier League record en route and stamping his name in the history books by being the youngest ever player in the competition to achieve that feat.

Steve Bruce, despite insisting he has to respect Arsenal and the player, has been working around the clock to ensure every other thing that comes out of his mouth is either ‘Willock’ or ‘I want to keep him’. His intentions are clear and you can’t blame him.

Arsenal set for Joe Willock bid from Newcastle in summer transfer window with midfielder keen on switch

Arsenal find themselves caught between two chairs. Their midfield is hopelessly lacking in goals, whether it’s Mohamed Elneny’s reverse tunnel vision or Thomas Partey’s bet on getting one out of the ground, there is no sign of aid from that department.

Willock has always been known for his late surges into the box and killer instinct in front of goal, but he would also fetch a very handsome fee. Initially seeking around £20m, The Telegraph add to other reports that the Gunners will raise this figure higher given his magnificent form.

Whatever the price, the report unsurprisingly states that Newcastle are set to make a bid and firmly believe they have the player’s backing in doing so.

Arsenal are also willing to do business as they seek to fund a move for Martin Odegaard, which remains a priority for Mikel Arteta even with heavy speculation that Emi Buendia is now top of the wishlist, and that cash injection could do wonders for their measly budget.

However, Newcastle are hardly swimming in cash. Their budget has been classed as ‘non-existent’.

Continued…

Newcastle Bid for Joe Willock Has to be Substantial

As with all clubs throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Magpies’ finances have been decimated and in order for owner Mike Ashley to fund the signings that Bruce wants to make his side a top 10 outfit he will need to take an interest-free loan or borrow from a bank.

Arsenal’s viewpoint has to be one of strength.

At Willock’s age, his profile, his homegrown status and his unquestionable talent that is being unlocked with regular minutes, £20m is far too low. He is worth more. The ‘English tax’ alone suggests so.

With the likes of Eddie Nketiah hoping to garner £10m-£15m despite not playing this season, then Willock’s asking price has to be higher. Negotiations won’t be ‘simple or straightforward’, though, and may require the midfielder requesting a move away, something he is said to be willing to do.

If we’re being honest, Willock can do better than Newcastle. No disrespect to them, but he can. As of yet there has been no concrete mentions of other clubs throwing their hat in the ring but it won’t be surprising if they do, which will kindly drum up his asking price.

As for keeping him, there are questions over whether such immense form can be sustained. That it surely can’t. If trying to piece together how Willock can be scoring the amount of goals he is at Newcastle and not at Arsenal, the answer is very simple: Arsenal don’t create as many chances.

Painful as it is to say, it’s true. If there is a way for the Gunners – there has to be – to become a more potent attacking side then with more chances falling to those who know how to take them, Willock would suit. Systematically it’s more doubtful that Willock will work as part of a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1, and for all his ability the team structure can’t be moulded just for him.

Is there space in the squad for Willock with a midfield exodus on the cards? Absolutely. Seeing a Hale Ender blossom as he has can’t be easily overlooked. It’s uncertain whether Newcastle can come close to £30m, for example, but that is surely the bare minimum Willock can go for. He just can’t stop scoring, working hard and doing it all with a smile on his face.

Including a buy-back clause in any deal, or first refusal, is mooted, but is something that is not commonplace in English football. Players are less keen as it restricts their freedom further down the line, while from the club’s point of view it’s an insurance policy.

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