Arsenal enter Joe Willock loan talks with Newcastle

Arsenal lost 2-1 to Hibernian in their first pre-season clash of the summer with a fairly uninspiring team getting their first run out for a number of weeks at Easter Road. Unfortunately there was no Joe Willock to be seen.

There will doubtlessly be those who look far too closely at results in what is essentially a glorified warm-up with a football, but the issue of transfers can still highlighted. There was deadwood on show and not a single new signing in sight.

Willock may not fall into either category but his future has remained a constant talking point. Over the past few weeks there has become some growing clarity on the matter, with it seeming as if Mikel Arteta is getting more accustomed to the thought of keeping him on board.

His exceptional end of season form warranted a closer inspection at the least, although the fact that it’s been two months since last season ended and there is not one new midfield face in the door also boosts the 21-year-old’s hopes of forging an Arsenal career.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1415044868649402380

Arsenal enter Joe Willock season-long loan talks with Newcastle as Steve Bruce eyes bargain deals in summer transfer window

Thomas Partey needs a partner and the minimum of three outgoing midfielders have so far only seen one initial loan move sanctioned.

Confirming post-match that Willock missed out on the Easter Road meeting with a slight groin issue, Arteta made his feelings known on the future of his Hale Ender.

"“Joe is part of our plans, he’s our player and in the time that he is here we will try to make the most out of him,” he said, as quoted by football.london. “He had a great experience on loan. He was I think he was one of the most important players for their survival.”"

Arteta tends to choose his words carefully. Considering shortly before this he adamantly claimed that Emile Smith Rowe is ‘100%’ staying, he is refusing to rubber stamp something that would have dangerous repercussions with the fans as everything can change in the summer window.

‘In the time that he is here’ is a re-framed way of stating that he’s an Arsenal player until he isn’t. As it stands, there is no real indication that he won’t be any time soon. The reports continue to state that he might stay for the aforementioned reasons, although that isn’t stopping Newcastle from exploring different avenues.

As per The Times, talks have opened between both clubs over the possibility of a season-long loan. Yes, a season-long loan.

Continued…

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.

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