Joe Willock is reportedly very close to a move to Newcastle United on loan before the transfer window closes at 11pm despite Arsenal’s concerns about their own midfield numbers.

Over the weekend, the Daily Mail claimed that Newcastle United were trying to convince Arsenal to let them sign Joe Willock on loan before Monday’s deadline.

Now, it seems as if they might just have got their way:

Understand Joe Willock to Newcastle is a loan move now very much looking like it could happen before the close of play. Conversations taking place. #AFC #NUFC

— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) February 1, 2021

The player wants regular minutes and he’s reportedly top of Steve Bruce’s wishlist but Arsenal are seemingly concerned about their own numbers in midfield.

Right now, they have Dani Ceballos, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Willock, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to fight over two places, with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard ahead of them.

If both Maitland-Niles and Willock leave, Arsenal effectively only have two players for each position in midfield. Not a terrible situation, but one that becomes a bit worrying as soon as you get an injury or two.

However, Chris Waugh of The Athletic adds that Newcastle are currently under the impression Arsenal are more likely to loan Willock, of the two. He also confirms the club’s interest and their desire to bring an extra midfielder in.

Personally, I think a move to Newcastle could be great for Willock if they can offer regular games. Given their position in the table, they’d be more likely to give him a chance than a more settled side pushing for European places.

Playing weekly Premier League football would be the best thing for Willock’s career right now, and we’ve seen what he can do in glimpses. His three goals and four assists in the Europa League group stage proved he can make an impact.

It’s up to Arsenal to decide whether they can afford to let him go.