Newcastle United have reportedly struck a deal with Arsenal over the permanent signing of midfielder Joe Willock. According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, the two clubs have agreed a fee in excess of £20 million.
Steve Bruce’s Magpies have not yet agreed personal terms with Willock, but have been pushing all summer to bring the England U21 international back to St James’ Park, where he enjoyed a superb half-season loan in 2020/21.
Newcastle United Agree Joe Willock Fee With Arsenal
Steve Bruce Previously Said He’d ‘Love’ to Sign Willock Permanently
Given the transformative impact Willock had on loan at Newcastle last season, agreeing on a deal to bring him back to the club from Arsenal would surely represent a shrewd piece of business from the Magpies.
The 21-year-old played a key role in helping Steve Bruce’s side stay in the Premier League, scoring eight goals in 14 league appearances to propel the Magpies away from the relegation zone and to an eventual 12-placed finish.
Willock also made history during his time at St James’ Park, becoming the youngest player to score in six successive Premier League games after a goal against relegated Sheffield United during the penultimate round of league fixtures.
It was after that match that Steve Bruce made clear his desire of bringing Willock back to the club at which he made such an impact. The Newcastle manager said: “It’s a double-edged sword. We have to respect he’s Arsenal’s player. If we can, we’d love to bring him here.”
Newcastle Aiming to Better Last Season’s Performance
The fact Newcastle managed to finish close to the top half in the league last season – thanks in no small part to Willock’s impact – was astonishing in many respects.
Performances at St James’ Park were often disappointing, leading to an atmosphere of discontent directed at manager Steve Bruce and owner Mike Ashley, who has been unable to sell the club.
Despite that, Bruce led the side to a higher finishing position than they had managed the season before, and will hope to do even better in the 2021/22 campaign.
Newcastle’s manager was deprived of key players Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles for long periods last season, with his side also the victims of an unfortunate injury record. If such issues do not occur once again in the new season, Magpies supporters could return to St James’ Park with a cautious sense of optimism.
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