Newcastle United’s head coach Steve Bruce has claimed that the Magpies will keep badgering for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, but has also admitted that any permanent move for the 21-year-old depends on the North London club.
In 78 appearances for the North London club, Arsenal academy product Willock has been able to find the back of the net only 11 times.
With chances coming few and far between, Arsenal loaned Willock to Newcastle for the second half of last season to facilitate his development. The youngster has been brilliant for the Magpies, scoring 8 goals in 14 matches. Hence, United are understandably looking to sign Willock on a permanent deal.
“It’s really Arsenal’s decision. And until Arsenal make a decision – a bit like all the big clubs, they have a look over pre-season – we’ll keep monitoring and badgering away. We’d love to do something but it’s still Arsenal’s call,”
Bruce said to BBC Newcastle, as per quotes in Daily Star.
”He has a contract”: Arteta clears his stance on Willock
While Bruce and Newcastle are very keen to obtain the services of Joe Willock, it seems rather unlikely, as Willock’s parent club Arsenal are not looking to entertain offers for the youngster.
On being asked about whether Willock will remain at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta said:
“Well, for sure. Because he has a contract and he’s going to be here. That’s for sure. I think it was great for him to go away and have a different experience and he has grabbed that opportunity in a really positive and remarkable way.
He’ll be back with us, we’ll have those conversations with him and plan the next years for him.”
