Arsenal: Joe Willock close to shock Newcastle loan transfer

Mikel Arteta Has Final Say on Arsenal Loaning Joe Willock

Newcastle may be classed as ‘close’ but it’s added that Arsenal and Arteta are yet to give their total satisfaction.

On Tuesday the boss said:

"“He trained yesterday really well but we didn’t want to risk him. 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.”"

Carefully worded, as usual.

It’s stated that the Magpies are allowing Arsenal time to mull over their decision and that Arteta is yet to give the green light. Work ‘still needs to be done’, with Bruce’s side failing in their short-lived efforts to secure a permanent deal due to the minuscule budget they have to operate in.

However, the Telegraph don’t stick their neck out without reason and it’s added that Arteta broadly agrees with the idea that Willock is best served playing regular football elsewhere than fleetingly for Arsenal – which the player and his advisors feel is right.

With two years left on his contract, he will be extended before any temporary move. Thankfully.

The surprise is in it being another loan deal. If a club met Arsenal’s valuation then there would be no shock in seeing Willock leave, yet to agree a season-long loan move – which while not specified is still hinted to be the case – does nothing for the bank balance, homegrown quota or volume of bodies for the manager to choose from.

Lokonga will join but there has to be some serious confidence of getting other players through the Emirates doors or else central midfield is looking bleak. Another 30 odd games for Elneny is an eventuality nobody wants.

If Willock pens another two/three-year extension and has a storming season over on Tyneside then it will work out for Arsenal, but only on the condition that they are certain of bringing in quality in that department. Equally, an option to recall Willock in January should be included for fears of injury and to supplement the African pair jetting off to AFCON.

This is evidently another case of Arsenal struggling for buyers. A worryingly growing trend.

Did he actually have a groin problem against Hibernian?