Report: Club prepare to meet Arsenal asking price for 21-year-old

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Newcastle United are reportedly willing to meet the asking price of Arsenal youngster Joe Willock to try complete a move that will see him return to St James’ Park.

Despite a small budget, The Telegraph reports Newcastle will pay the £22million transfer fee that Arsenal are demanding for their academy graduate.

The 21-year-old had an amazing loan spell with the Toon in the second half of last season, so they are going all out to bring him back to Tyneside on a permanent basis.

It is understood that Arsenal are happy to sell him by sanctioning the deal. However, they are still waiting for a final word on the player himself.

Willock is reportedly having second thoughts about a permanent switch to the North East, so another loan is mooted. It remains to be seen what will happen with the box-to-box central midfielder, but he’s certainly wanted at Newcastle.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce, who’s been public with his desire to re-sign him this summer, said he has “wonderful pace” back in April while giving him some high praise. 

Joe Willock move makes sense for his career

For Willock, he’s going to earn cult status at Newcastle if he joins them and performs like he did for them in the second half of last season.

The attacking midfielder ended up with eight goals in just 14 appearances for the club, which went a long way to keeping them in the Premier League division.

He’s played 78 first-team games for Arsenal, but whether he can become a regular for them remains to be seen at this moment in time.

A £22million deal looks great for all parties, but perhaps Willock would feel better if there was a buy-back clause.

In other news, Report claims it’s ‘highly unlikely’ £10m Everton player will be offered new Goodison deal