Arsenal can’t afford to repeat Saliba mistake with exciting Gunners talent once compared to Lampard – TBR View

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Joe Willock left Arsenal in January on loan with a point to prove. And the Hale End academy product proved that and more.

The midfielder established himself as one of Newcastle United’s most important players in the second half of last campaign.

Furthermore, Willock also made Premier League history. The youngster became the youngest player ever to score in eight consecutive games in the division.

Indeed, Willock returned to his boyhood club with his head held high and the critics firmly silenced.

After all, the midfielder was compared to England icon Frank Lampard early in his career, who scored 177 Premier League goals in his career. Expectations from Arsenal supporters were always going to be high for Willock.

Arsenal are allowing Willock to leave again this window

There is a real sense of excitement that Willock has finally become the player many thought he could be. However, Mikel Arteta is seemingly not keen on the England youth international.

As reported by the Telegraph. Willock is close to re-joining Newcastle for the season on loan.

With the 21-year-old having just two years left on his current deal, there is an aura of uncertainty around the midfielder’s long-term future with the Gunners.

Given Arteta and the club’s handling of William Saliba over the past 12 months, there are worrying similarities that indicate that the Arsenal manager is yet to learn his mistakes with how he dealt with the French youngster.

Arteta can’t afford to make Saliba mistakes again

With Saliba set to spend a third season away from Arsenal on loan, there is a growing fear amongst supporters that the 20-year-old centre-back might not ever kick a ball for the Gunners.

Yet whilst Willock has featured plenty of times for Arsenal at senior level, the same fear is there for some fans that Arteta is mishandling a quality talent the club have on their hands.

Indeed, with the north London side keen on adding an attacking midfielder to their ranks this summer, Willock is a prime candidate to take up this role for the first half of the season alongside Emile Smith Rowe.

But with the youngster set for another loan spell, Arteta is again putting his trust with fans on the line. And the Basque manager will be hoping this gamble pays off if Willock once again flourishes with Newcastle.