Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting on Twitter after a report revealed Rio Ferdinand has suggested Arsenal should keep Joe Willock at the Emirates Stadium next season.
The 21-year-old midfielder departed his boyhood club in January, joining the Magpies on a short-term loan deal, and has impressed throughout his time at the club, scoring four goals in 10 Premier League appearances.
His magnificent displays have helped Steve Bruce’s men climb up to 16th in the top-flight standings and open up a nine-point gap to Fulham, who occupy the final relegation place.
Willock has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite in the North East, thanks to his hardworking performances and goalscoring prowess, leading to speculation that Bruce could try and make the deal permanent in the summer.
However, speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE (as reported by The Chronicle), former Manchester United defender and BT Sport pundit Ferdinand declared that he would have kept the Gunners academy product around if he was at Arsenal.
“You know what, I like Joe Willock. He’s someone at Arsenal that I would have kept. He’s a good young player,” he said.
“‘If Arsenal don’t take him back and have him around that squad… I don’t know, man. I really like him and I like his personality. He’s not shy to come on the big stage and play and perform.
“And the last three goals he’s scored have been massive goals for Newcastle. It shows he’s got the temperament.”
However, it’s clear the Newcastle supporters aren’t in agreement:
“He’s obsessed with us”
“If Rio isn’t happy that Arsenal might sell Willock he should just round up the money and buy the club himself.”
“We should have an ignore list and stick him on top of it”
“If he wants him to stay at Arsenal so bad, why doesn’t he just round up some money, and pay for his contract himself?”
Ferdinand recently angered Newcastle fans after telling them to stump up their own money if they want to get rid of much-maligned owner Mike Ashley, and it appears as though his latest comments have only added fuel to this ongoing fire.
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