Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Newcastle over a deal for Joe Willock as Steve Bruce’s patience looks to have paid off.

Joe Willock celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday April 24, 2021. Copyright: Clive Brunskill 59372629
Joe Willock celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday April 24, 2021. Copyright: Clive Brunskill 59372629

Joe Willock has been Newcastle United’s number one target this summer. Steve Bruce has made no secret of that.

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, said that Willock was staying with Arsenal, but said it in such a way that it left the door wide open for a player I think we all know Arteta doesn’t really want for his system.

Arsenal reportedly offered Willock to Leicester as a makeweight in a deal for James Maddison but the Foxes are said to want cash only. Hence, Arsenal have turned to Newcastle to find £20m of the £60m they will probably have to stump up to land Maddison.

Just under a week ago, it was reported that Newcastle would be willing to pay around £22m for Willock