Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal enter Joe Willock loan talks with Newcastle

By Ross Kennerley

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 FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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 FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
Arsenal, Steve Bruce
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Steve Bruce manager of Newcastle United with Joe Willock after the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on May 23, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Newcastle Eye Season-Long Loan for Joe Willock

Newcastle have no money. Whatever budget Steve Bruce has to play with is going to be minimal at best and the kind of deals already seen multiple times this window (loans with options/obligations) are set to be his go-to move.

That serves him right for flushing £40m down the toilet for Joelinton – but that’s another discussion.

Due to those circumstances, talks have begun between the Magpies and Arsenal over the possibility of Willock joining them on loan for an entire season. And before things get heated, this doesn’t mean that Arsenal have any intention of agreeing to the proposal.

It’s naturally Newcastle’s preference to avoid a permanent outlay they simply can’t afford but Arteta would be beyond foolish to agree to such terms, hence why it’s highly unlikely – unfathomable, really – that this will pull through.

Albert Sambi Lokonga’s imminent arrival has the potential to limit Willock’s playing time next season and the numbers at present for central midfield appear to hovering around four: Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Lokonga and Willock.

With two of them off to AFCON for up to six weeks, Lokonga’s arrival doesn’t alter anything for Willock. His presence will be needed.

Of course, as Arteta alluded to, as long as the midfielder is here he’s in their plans, barring someone meeting his valuation which will hover around the £20-£25m mark. We can rest fairly assured that a 12-month loan deal is a flat no.

What will have an impact on this is Willock’s wish. Having had a taste of regular Premier League action (even if he didn’t start every game for Newcastle) the allure of being a fixed member of the starting lineup could tempt him. As Arteta chases his ideal Partey partner, the minutes for Willock diminish further.

Contractually a decision must be made too. Two years left to run is that tantalising middle ground between renew or sell up.

dark. Next. Smith Rowe contract and shirt number

This is one of transfers stories that doesn’t look like being sewn up any time soon.

Home/Arsenal News