Newcastle are growing reportedly optimistic that they can sign Joe Willock this summer with Arsenal seen to be willing to do a deal, if the price is right.

Joe Willock celebrates the opening goal during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Picture date: Sunday May 23, 2021. Copyright: Matthew Childs
Joe Willock celebrates the opening goal during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Picture date: Sunday May 23, 2021. Copyright: Matthew Childs

Newcastle have made no secret of their desire to land Joe Willock this summer after his superb loan spell in the second half of the season.

Willock, too, seems enamoured with the club and would happily move there. That’s understandable. They trusted him and he rewarded that with seven goals, more than Arsenal’s entire midfield scored – combined – all season.

Arsenal’s price for Joe Willock had always been reported to be around £20m but the Chronicle are now reporting that it will need £20m+ just to get Arsenal to the table. Recently, it was claimed that a bid of £30m would be needed.

Arsenal are willing to go to the table, however, and that will likely infuriate a lot of Arsenal fans who desperately want to see the Arsenal youngster given a proper chance under Mikel Arteta.

Willock wants to play, and he’s shown that he’s good enough to do just that. There is a real sense that Willock already feels more valued by Newcastle than Arsenal, and I wouldn’t blame him at all for wanting to join on a permanent basis, sad as that would be.

The question now is, will the two clubs find a price? Anything between £22.5m and £39.6m would make Willock Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever.