Arsenal: 14 summer transfer window sales that could happen

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Joe Willock of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

10. Joe Willock

Contract expiry: 2023
Realistic transfer fee: £20-£25m
Interested clubs: Newcastle

Across all the potential sales this summer transfer window, it’s likely that Joe Willock’s will be last of all.

The midfielder would obviously prefer to have his future sorted out as soon as possible, whether that will be a call from the manager to say he’s in his plans or a face-to-face sit down to explain that the club are open to offers.

However, as seen with the aforementioned three, the number of outgoings in central midfield will force Arteta’s hand. It’s an area of the pitch in need of upgrading, and with Dani Ceballos already gone and Xhaka, Torreira and Guendouzi following him, the manager will be left with just Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Willock to man the fort – two of which are off to AFCON.

Willock’s issue, as far as his hopes of playing for Arsenal are concerned, is that he’s valuable. Very valuable. Has never been more valuable and it will take another season at the same rate he showed at Newcastle to keep that figure rising.

Lokonga will arrive to boost the numbers but is more of the Partey mould, leaving Willock as the only attack-minded midfielder of the lot. Finding a way to shoehorn him into a two-man midfield won’t be easy, although there is a place for him if a 4-3-3 is implemented.

His future is entirely dependent on what Arteta can achieve in regards to signings. Yet, if a club does wave £20m or so in the direction of north London, you do get the feeling Arsenal will accept it.

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