Joe Willock certainly impressed during his loan spell at Newcastle United during the second half of last season but with no deal appearing to be on the horizon, other clubs may look to swoop in for the midfielder. However, former Leeds ace David Norris believes that he would be an underwhelming addition.
Leeds United may be on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer if reports are to be believed that Juventus are interested in signing Kalvin Phillips following his impressive Premier League and Euros campaign.
Should Arsenal sell Willock?
Yes!
No!
Willock is a different type of player to Phillips with the former more willing to get forward and arrive late in the box, very Frank Lampard-esque, whereas Phillips likes to protect the back four and help to transition defence into attack quickly.
If the fee is to be at the reported £20 million then many clubs could be looking to pounce on Willock if the Magpies don’t make a move first, but Norris wouldn’t see him as a good or exciting signing for a club that finished ninth last season, as he spoke exclusively to This is Futbol:
“I think initially like it was at Newcastle, he would be a slightly underwhelming signing but would come with the potential to turn into a decent signing.”
The Arsenal midfielder lit up St James’ Park during the second half of last season with seven goals in his final seven appearances for the Magpies which equalled Alan Shearer’s record, and he appeared to truly enjoy his time up north and his first loan spell away from the Emirates.
Marcelo Bielsa has plenty of options in the final third but in the centre of midfield, Phillips aside, they don’t have many quality players who can get on the ball, progress it forward and make things happen so, Willock could potentially fit in while not having to play him every single minute given his age.