Arsenal all but confirm Joe Willock transfer to Newcastle

As Arsenal lined up to face Tottenham in the their final pre-season fixture of the summer, one noticeable absence from the squad was Joe Willock. The Mind Series match was dominated by the rivalry but the midfielder not being present raised a few eyebrows.

The four mile journey north ended in defeat for Mikel Arteta’s side after Heung-min Son’s second half goal ensured the hosts ran out 1-0 winners, in a match were a decent first half showing was overshadowed by an average second half display.

Alexandre Lacazette came closest to finding the back of the net for the Gunners when his effort from range struck the outside of the woodwork, in a frustrating afternoon for Arteta’s men.

However, with Rob Holding and Willian joining Willock in not being included in the squad the question was naturally directed the manager’s way in regards to the latter’s absence, which was met with the closest thing to confirmation you could ask for.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta all but confirms Joe Willock transfer to Newcastle as Magpies strike £20m deal to sign midfielder in summer window

"Speaking on Holding and Willock, Arteta said post-match, via football.london: “Two different reasons. With Rob he wasn’t fit enough to play and with Joe we will explain the reasons when we can.“When I can say more I will let you know.”"

While not confirmation as such, it hints about as strongly as you can of the Arsenal midfielder edging closer to finalising his move up to the north east.

Willock enjoyed a sensational loan spell at Newcastle after signing in the January transfer window, notching eight goals during his time with the Magpies including seven in consecutive Premier League outings, becoming the youngest player in the competition’s history to achieve that feat.

Since then the speculation has been non-stop regarding the 21-year-old’s future with Steve Bruce an outspoken admirer and repeatedly insisting he wanted to bring Willock back to Tyneside.

Rumours had circulated around a fee of £20m being prepared by Newcastle to land the Hale End graduate permanently, and after months of talk it finally appears as if a deal has been struck.

In regards to the terms of the move, nothing is certain. Even the deal itself isn’t certain, but you would happily hedge your bets on the Chelsea defeat being the final outing for Willock in red and white, for this season at least.

However, the odds are that a permanent move is in the offing as with two years left on his Arsenal deal it would be nothing short of ridiculous to sanction a season-long loan unless fresh terms were penned. There has been no indication of that happening.

More will surely filter through in the next 24 hours, but it appears as if Willock is departing. Whatever one’s stance, Arsenal need the money.