Newcastle United have announced the signing of Joe Willock on a permanent deal.

Newcastle United and Arsenal have announced the completion of a deal that sees Joe Willock leave Arsenal for Newcastle for around £22m on a six-year deal.

“I’m buzzing to be here,” Willock told nufc.co.uk. “I loved my time here last season and I’m really happy to be back and to be a Newcastle United player.

“Leaving Arsenal is obviously a big step, and I’d like to thank everyone involved with the dub for all their support over the years, but this is the right move to the right club at the right time for me.

“I only got one chance to play in front of a smaller number of Newcastle fans as a home player last season, so I can’t wait to step o. in front of a packed St. James’ Park and experience that atmosphere.

“Come on, you Magpies!”

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure our number one target. We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back.

“I want to thank Lee Charnley in particular for the work he has put in to make the deal happen. The dub have gone above and beyond to make it possible. “Joe is a wonderful young player with all the attributes you want in a midfielder, and he certainly proved that during his time with us I. season.

“This is a move I know our supporters really wanted us to make, and I know they will join me in giving Joe a very warm welcome back to St. James’ Park.”

Wllock will wear the number 28 shirt for the 2021/22 season – the same number he wore last season.

Willock will be available for selection for next week’s Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Arsenal, meanwhile, said, “Joe Willock has joined Newcastle United in a permanent deal.

“The 21-year-old midfielder has completed his transfer after enjoying a successful loan spell with the Magpies last season, during which time he scored in the last seven Premier League matches of the season.

“Before going on loan to Newcastle last season, Arsenal was all Joe had ever known, having joined us unofficially when he was just four years old.

“His association with the club started through watching his older brother Chris at our academy and he was invited to join some training sessions. Joe impressed enough and was invited to stay. From that moment, he worked hard and flourished to progress through the academy age groups, before joining as a full-time scholar in 2015.

“Joe’s progress continued rapidly – he was on the bench for the 2017 Community Shield win over Chelsea, aged just 17, which was soon followed by his first-team debut in September 2017, in a home League Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.

“During his time with us, the England Youth international made 77 first-team appearances and was a member of the 2020 FA Cup-winning squad.

“Everyone at Arsenal is extremely proud of Joe’s progress from our academy through to the first team.

“We wish you all the best in the next chapter of your career with Newcastle United.

“Joe, you will always be part of the Arsenal family.

“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

The deal agreed is said to be in excess of £20m which represents good business for both sides, especially Arsenal who are getting more than a player is worth for a change.

Willock is currently valued at around £14.3m and had two years remaining on the contract he signed in 2019.