Newcastle United are reportedly keen to bring Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock back to St James’ Park on a season-long loan this summer.
After falling down the pecking order at Arsenal, Willock spent the second half of last season on loan at Newcastle.
The 21-year-old England youth international netted eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances for the Magpies. He even scored in seven consecutive games, equalling Newcastle legend Alan Shearer’s historic record.
His displays helped Newcastle pull away from the relegation zone and eventually finish in 12th spot. Thus, Steve Bruce is hoping to call on the services of the talented midfielder for another season.
“Of course we want him back, he did great with us and gives us another dimension in midfield that we haven’t got,” Bruce was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
According to Sky Sports, Emile Smith Rowe’s new deal at Arsenal might pave the way for Willock to join Newcastle.
Should Joe Willock push for a move to Newcastle United?
Willock was not part of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s plans last season, but the Spaniard admitted the midfielder could feature more often next season. If Willock does stay at the club, he will have to compete with Emile Smith Rowe for a spot in the Arsenal midfield.
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Smith Rowe shone for the Gunners last season and if he plays at a similar level next season, Willock is unlikely to get much of a look-in.
Moreover, Arsenal have already completed a move for Albert Sambi Lokonga and are lining up a bid for Italy’s Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli. They are also keeping tabs on Leicester City’s James Maddison. Thus, Willock might be better suited leaving the club for another loan spell at Newcastle as he looks to add new layers to his game.
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Willock would walk into Newcastle United starting XI and add plenty of energy and drive to their midfield. He is not the most creative of players, but he is neat in possession and rarely gives the ball away cheaply. He possesses decent technical ability and can dribble out of pressure and also move the ball quickly up the field during counter-attacks. He averaged 1.6 dribbles and 0.6 key passes per game last season.
Willock also has great awareness and makes clever late runs into the box to help out in attack. He also has an eye for goal, which he proved with his displays for Newcastle last season.
He contributes heavily out of possession as well; Willock presses defenders high up the pitch to win the ball back. Last season, he averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game.
Ultimately, a loan move will suit all parties; Newcastle will receive a talented midfielder who can strengthen their push for a top-half spot, while Willock will gain regular playing time, which is essential in a young player’s development. An impressive loan spell will serve to boost his market value, which will work in Arsenal’s favour if they choose to offload him in the future.
