Steve Bruce hints Newcastle United in agreement over transfer of Arsenal’s Joe Willock

Add as preferred source on Google

Steve Bruce has suggested to talkSPORT that Newcastle United are in agreement over launching efforts to retain Joe Willock beyond his loan spell from Arsenal.

The Gunners product has been in magnificent form in recent weeks after responding to being dropped to the bench with four goals in his last four Premier League appearances.

Newcastle have gone unbeaten in each of those fixtures with draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, plus victories over West Ham United and Leicester City, who each aspire to qualify for the Champions League this season.

The Magpies signed Willock in a last-ditch Deadline Day deal in February that does not carry an option to purchase the England U21 international (Mirror), who Arsenal are thought to value at close to £20million.

Bruce admitted last month that he would ‘love’ to see Willock seal a permanent move to St. James’ Park if United could come to an agreement with the Gunners (Guardian), and has now hinted at having the support of the Toon board.

“All of us would love to [make it permanent],” Bruce told talkSPORT. “He’s 21, a midfield player and he’s got five goals since the turn of the year, so of course we want him – but we have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player.

“I’m sure Arsenal will have big discussions this summer, but if there’s a possibility that we can bring him back we’d love to do it.”

TBR’s view:

Bruce hinting at having the support of the Newcastle board in efforts to retain Willock after his loan spell in the North East is hardly a surprise given the impact he has had on results in recent weeks, to become the Toon’s second-top scorer in the Premier League this term.

Willock is also a player who Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta lauds for having ‘special’ qualities (The Sun), while the youngster’s determination has been on show through his hunger to make a difference in the closing stages of games vital to Newcastle’s top-flight survival.

What remains to be seen is if Toon owner Mike Ashley is included in Bruce’s reference to ‘we’, after the Magpies boss previously stated that he expects the club will be operating on a restricted budget this summer (Chronicle) due to the millions lost in gate revenue.

If Ashley is not onside, Newcastle may struggle to seal a deal to retain Willock permanently, leaving Bruce forced to target cheaper alternatives who may not deliver the same impact next season.