On the latest edition of the Football Social Daily podcast, journalist Matt Cunningham has been discussing Newcastle United’s potential transfer business this summer.
Arsenal youngster Joe Willock spent the backend of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign at the Magpies on a half-season long loan.
Can Newcastle sign Willock permanently?
Yes
No
Since arriving on Tyneside, Willock, who is valued at £14.4 million (as per Transfermarkt), has shown some stunning form which has seen the 21-year-old score seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances, scoring eight in total (via Transfermarkt).
However, despite reports suggesting the Magpies will look to sign Willock on a permanent basis, Cunningham does not believe the youngster will return to the Tyneside club.
He said (54:33): “As for Joe Willock, I mean we were just talking about Arsenal needing some new players and what a dream that is for them. He’s done so well, he’s been unbelievable in the last few games for them [Newcastle] and sort of turned their season around a little bit, nearly single-handedly.
“As you said scoring seven goals in seven games, an unbelievable thing to do at any club never mind Newcastle. They definitely need to go for him, but I don’t know if they can.
“I think Arsenal will want him back. A player of his quality and shown what he can do for a young lad as well. I think there’s no danger that he goes back to Arsenal at the end of the season.”
TIF Thoughts on Willock’s future…
Willock’s time at Newcastle has arguably been one of the signings of the season in terms of the boost he has provided to what was a struggling Newcastle side with relegation a real possibility.
His form will have earned him a huge boost in reputation which will naturally leave Arsenal considering whether they should keep him and work him into their squad.
However, it will be interesting to see whether Willock is willing to risk not getting first-team football every week at Arsenal or if he will hold out for a return to Newcastle where he has enjoyed a rich vein of form since making the loan move.
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