Arsenal could strike Joe Willock swap with eye on £100m double transfer

If the opportunity arises for Arsenal to kill two birds with one stone this summer transfer window then they’re unlikely to turn it down, so long as it suits what they’re after. The future of Joe Willock remains in the balance and with the Gunners in need of a goalkeeper, there is a deal there to be struck with Newcastle.

As it stands, Willock will return to London Colney for pre-season training as usual. His sensational loan move to Newcastle has concluded and for all of Steve Bruce’s public declarations of love for the midfielder, unless the Magpies stump up Arsenal’s asking price he won’t be re-joining them.

There is some ambiguity over what exactly the Gunners are demanding for the Hale Ender, with fees between £20-£30m mentioned across various outlets. What does seem certain, however, is that if the valuation is met his sale will be sanctioned.

In the case of Mikel Arteta’s side they might have hoped for more interest following that mesmerising end to the season. While out of the public eye there is every chance inquiries have been made, as of yet only Newcastle are pushing for Willock’s signature.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Arsenal could strike Joe Willock swap plus cash deal with Newcastle for Freddie Woodman with Arteta’s eye on £100m double swoop at Brighton

With not much wiggle room in the tightly sealed Mike Ashley purse strings, Bruce may have to get creative if he is to head into next season with Willock in black and white, opening the door for a swap deal to tempt Arsenal’s hand.

Bernd Leno’s future remains up in the air, Mat Ryan is attracting interest from clubs who can offer him a starting berth in net and the previously hot case on Andre Onana has since gone luke warm. Aside from that, Alex Runarsson isn’t pushing for a first team slot.

There is also highly rated Arthur Okonkwo who has been offered a new contract with his current one expiring this summer, but a young and homegrown goalkeeperpr to push for the number one spot in north London is among Arsenal’s extensive to-do list this summer.

Newcastle just so happen to have one on their books.

As per the most reliable journalist when it comes to Newcastle, Lee Ryder of The Chronicle, the Magpies could look to include Freddie Woodman as part of a swap plus cash deal to land Willock this summer.

Bruce already has two keepers vying for the number one slot, with third-choice Mark Gillespie joined by Dan Langley in pushing for a place in the side. Thus, there is no room for Woodman.

It’s an alluring prospect that would allow Arsenal to solve one issue while equally bringing in funding for a player who won’t be joining a direct rival. Furthermore, that money would go towards securing a double swoop worth up to £100m. It’s all happening, what should Arsenal do?

Continued…