Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce confirmed that Joe Willock had completed his medical, ahead of a move from Arsenal. The Gunners, meanwhile, have turned attention back to Martin Odegaard to fill the void.
Willock has signed a six-year deal at St James’ Park after the two clubs agreed to a transfer fee in the region of 25 million pounds.
Willock originally spent six months on loan at Newcastle, from January to June 2021. The midfielder scored eight goals in 14 appearances and helped the Magpies to avoid relegation.
Bruce confirmed that the 21-year-old was the club’s number one target this summer and that multiple approaches were examined before the decision to pay his full price was reached.
“He was our number one target. We explored the route of another loan deal and when it became pretty evident that that wasn’t going to be the case, then, of course, we’ve entered into negotiations with Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing a move for Martin Odegaard after being impressed on loan at the Emirates during the last six months of the previous season. The Norwegian wonderkid returned to Real Madrid upon the expiration of his temporary deal, but has faced uncertainties over his future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Arsenal will make an official approach for the Norwegian playmaker once given the go-ahead from his parent club.
Personal terms should not be an issue, with the player keen to return to North London, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell and built positive relationships with Mikel Arteta and the rest of the club members.
