Some at Arsenal love seeing how well player has done since leaving for £25m

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Journalist James Benge has suggested that there are a number of people at Arsenal who are incredibly proud of how one player has got on since joining a Premier League rival in 2021.

Arsenal have enjoyed a rapid rise over the last few years. When Mikel Arteta was appointed, the Gunners looked to be in danger of falling into mid-table in the Premier League. But of course, they now find themselves in title contention.

There are not many negatives to come from that progress. But one disappointment is that some of the academy players who previously looked destined for the first-team have had to move elsewhere.

Arsenal proud of how Joe Willock is getting on at Newcastle

Charlie Patino looks to be one name in the current squad who appears to be coming through at just the wrong time. But of those in Arteta’s plans, names as Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah come to mind.

Speaking on Inside Arsenal: Extra Time, Benge suggested that it looks set to be best for all parties for the trio to get their careers up and running elsewhere. And he noted how many at London Colony are enjoying seeing how Joe Willock is getting on at Newcastle.

“I think the time’s come. I think it’s the right thing to do. It was funny watching Joe Willock come back a few weeks ago. I know there are people at Arsenal that take actually enormous pride in the fact that he’s done so well and kept his place at Newcastle even when they’ve become the richest club on the planet,” he said.

“And I think it’s always a curious sort of success story. It’s not a Saka success story. But I think Arsenal could be really delighted and proud if those guys go, get them good money, have good careers elsewhere.”

Midfielder’s move should inspire some of his former teammates

Willock got his move to Tyneside after an amazing loan spell at St James’ Park, during which he scored eight times in 14 games. That run of form went a long way in keeping the Magpies in the Premier League.

He is yet to recapture that form since signing permanently. Injuries have kept him out of a large part of this season. But he did remind everyone of his potential with a goal against the Gunners last month.

Arsenal did well to get £25 million for someone who was going to struggle for consistent minutes with them. And Willock has got a move to a club who will hoping to only look up in the years to come.

That should perhaps inspire some of those struggling to force their way into Arteta’s plans right now.