Newcastle United journalist Lee Ryder has been speaking on the latest episode of the Everything is Black & White podcast to discuss the future of Joe Willock.
The 21-year-old has returned to his parent club Arsenal after a half-season loan with the Tyneside club in the 2020/21 campaign.
Do you think Willock will return this summer?
Yes
No
Willock enjoyed a stunning run of form under Steve Bruce having netted seven times in his final seven Premier League games for the Magpies (via Transfermarkt).
It has been reported Bruce would be keen to bring Willock back to St. James’ Park this summer, however, Mikel Arteta has stated he is looking to keep Willock at the north London club.
Discussing the future of the young midfielder, Ryder had the following to say when discussing Newcastle potentially missing out on Willock as they wait to see the outcome of the takeover saga.
“That is the sort of deal where you think other clubs are going to be keen, and if someone comes in with a £35m bid, then he isn’t going to come to Newcastle.
“So this is where you need your club operating properly. And at the minute, we’re kind of just sitting and waiting to see what happens with the takeover. And that could damage Newcastle in the short term, because other teams could jump ahead of them in the queue for certain players.
“But yeah, I would be very interested to see what the philosophy is from within at the moment.”
TIF Thoughts on Willock’s future…
We think this could prove a huge season for Willock coming up after shining for Newcastle in the latter stages of the 2020/21 campaign.
Having scored seven in seven, we think Willock has earned his right to play for a spot in the Arsenal midfield, however, if a bid does come in, it would be interesting to see if Arsenal would consider selling him.
With Thomas Partey arriving last summer for £45m, it is hard to see Willock replacing him in the starting XI, while it has been reported the Gunners are looking to bring in Ruben Neves this summer – so where would this leave Willock’s Arsenal future?
In other news: ‘That’s the end of that, then’ – Many Newcastle fans react as transfer news emerges