The Newcastle Echo’s report suggest Joe Willock is unlikely to return to Newcastle United on a permanent basis this summer with Arteta set to give him a chance in pre-season. The report suggests Arteta has been impressed by the attitude of the England U21 international since he returned for training last week. He will be given an opportunity in the next month to fight for his place. Willock is looking to put himself in Arteta’s plans for the coming season.
Disappointment for Newcastle as Joe Willock Set for Arsenal Stay
Arteta to Give the Midfielder a Chance
Newcastle have been hit with a frustrating blow with Arsenal now set to keep hold of Joe Willock. The 21-year-old had an incredibly successful loan spell under Steve Bruce. After featuring sporadically under Arteta in the first half of the season, he joined the Magpies in January. Frustrated, but determined to prove his worth, he flourished at St. James’ Park.
The Hale End graduate scored a goal in each of the final seven games of the season. He was vital in securing Newcastle’s Premier League status for the 2021/22 season. Steve Bruce appeared to get the best out of the midfielder and on a number of occasions expressed his desire to make the deal permanent. However, reports suggest a deal is becoming increasingly unlikely. Not only did his successful spell increase his market value, it also proved his worth to Arsenal who are in a major rebuild and are likely to require his services in the upcoming season.
Willock is set to feature in pre-season and the next month will be decisive in terms of his immediate future at the club. Arsenal begin their 2021/22 season preparations with a tour of Scotland, beginning with a trip to Hibernian. They will then face Rangers at Ibrox before a trip to Florida later this month.
Arsenal were reportedly willing to let Willock go at the start of the window. Yet, a decision has been made to give him another chance after impressing Arteta in the first week back in training.
The start of a Busy Window for the Gunners
The midfield position is somewhere in which Arsenal will expect a lot of movement both in and out this summer. Departures of both Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are expected this month. This is after the deal for Matteo Guendouzi to Marseille was completed.
Arsenal are also set to unveil the signing of Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer with the deal reportedly completed.
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