Arsenal have reached an agreement with Newcastle United over the transfer of Joe Willock, football.london understands, as the Hale End graduate’s move inches closer.
The 21-year-old, who joined forces with Steve Bruce’s side in January last season on loan, is subject to a bid that could rise to a final fee of £25 million.
Willock returned to London Colney for pre-season alongside his Hale End compatriots but, amid the ongoing interest from Newcastle, he was absent from the Gunners squad which faced Tottenham in their final pre-season friendly.
Willock proved to be an instrumental pillar in Newcastle’s Premier League survival last season, scoring eight goals across 14 games for Bruce’s side which reignited the midfielder’s pursuit of a first-team place at Arsenal.
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But, despite Willock’s best efforts to impress Mikel Arteta during his stay on Tyneside, the former England under-21 international’s departure from north London foreshadows a worrying message to the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.
Nketiah and Nelson, much like the Magpies’ player of the month for May, have ventured away from the Emirates on loan in search of game time, but upon their return have not been granted the fruits from their labours.
With game time hard to come by at the Emirates for Willock, averaging just 46.5 minutes a game across 78 appearances, the Englishman’s desire to leave north London will alert his Hale End compatriots.
Nketiah joined Leeds United on loan in August 2019 and impressed with his ability to influence games under minimal game time, averaging a direct goal contribution very 82.5 minutes for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
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The England Under-21 all-time top goalscorer soon returned to north London in January before scoring four goals in 17 appearances but has since found it hard to force his way into Arteta’s starting XI despite the Gunners’ woes in front of goal last season.
Last season Nketiah found himself predominantly playing in the Under-23s and made just four Premier League starts, which could offer the 22-year-old striker food for thought as to whether a permanent move, like Willock’s, would open the door to greater look-in.
Nelson, who was always regarded as a contemporary to Jadon Sancho growing up, risks falling into the realms of under-23s football, much like Nketiah did, should the youngster fail to find a move away in search of sufficient game time.
The 21-year-old winger spent the 2018/19 season on loan at TSG Hoffenheim and impressed, directly contributing towards eight goals across 23 Bundesliga appearances, but has since been unfortunate with various injuries leading him to miss valuable game time.
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On his road to recapturing the form he once showed in Germany, Nelson made 15 appearances last season for Arteta’s side giving a glimpse into his special and unique potential.
However, the winger needs to unlock his potential with substantial minutes which seems unlikely amid the plethora of options at Arteta’s disposal; Gabriel Martinelli has returned from injury, Emile Smith-Rowe has been rewarded with the number 10 shirt and a new contract, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka will accommodate the left wing and Nicolas Pepe and Willian, along with Saka, provide options on the right.
Arteta could also be adding James Maddison to his wealth of attacking options, further diminishing Nelson’s chances of featuring across the Gunners’ front four this season.
football.london understands that talks between Arsenal and Leicester City are progressing at a ‘slow’ rate and that the Gunners are yet to reach the Foxes’ £60million valuation.
And in order to afford a move for Maddison or any other targets Arteta has between now and the end of the transfer window, Arsenal need to recoup funds.
The likes of Nelson and Nketiah following Willock’s lead in leaving the Emirates could free up the kind of windfall required to secure Maddison’s signature and add to other key positions before the window shuts.
https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/joe-willock-transfer-arsenal-squad-21271855
