Mikel Arteta says he will make a decision on Joe Willock this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is impressed by Joe Willock and will need to make a decision on the Arsenal youngster this summer.

Willock has hit a fine patch of form for Newcastle during a loan spell and has struck four crucial goals to all but confirm the Magpies’ Premier League status for next season.

But the 21-year-old faces a tough ask in terms of getting back into the Arsenal first-team. And Arteta, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Arsenal game with Newcastle, believes Willock is capable of great things.

“He has a chance. He is a player we really like so at the end of the season he will come back here and then we will make the decision again for what is best to move forward,” Arteta said.

“He has got some great qualities, some unique qualities to play in that position. He is a real threat in the opponent’s box, physically he can do anything you ask for and has got the right mentality, is good technically and he is English.”

Willock will watch on the from the sidelines today with Arsenal looking for a win over the Toon. The Gunners’ PL form has been patchy to say the least and they could even finish in the lower half of the table.

TBR View: Willock deserves pre-season chance at least with Arsenal

Surely the point of a loan spell is to let a player go and prove what he can and cannot do at the top level? Willock has proven he is capable, so surely he gets a chance in the summer?

Arteta does have big decisions to make on a few players. He needs to raise some funds and will also want replacements brought in.

But if he can get Willock ticking like Steve Bruce has done, then the Gunners boss might just save the club millions this summer.