Chronicle Live reporter Lee Ryder has revealed on Twitter that Newcastle have now confirmed their approach to Arsenal for midfielder Joe Willock as they look to beat the deadline to his signing.
Joe Willock has started just one game this season. #nufc have now confirmed their approach.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) February 1, 2021
The Magpies have been linked with a move for Willock and, according to a report from The Telegraph, it is one on which they have been focusing strong attention, as well as a potential deal for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury. A move for the Arsenal midfielder has been reported as the more likely deal to happen.
Ryder revealed that the Magpies have now confirmed their approach for Willock, and it suggests that Newcastle are working hard to try and get that deal over the line before the window closes. The Telegraph’s report outlined that the only real stumbling block would be whether they can convince him to move from London to the northeast.
Chronicle Live reported that the Magpies are now holding last-minute talks with Arsenal over a deal for Willock, with the Gunners reportedly willing to let him make the move on loan until the end of the season, as he has started just two league games this term.
Read Newcastle verdict
This would be a decent addition for the Magpies, with Willock having been deployed in a deep midfield role and as a more attacking box-to-box player, demonstrating his flexibility. That should be beneficial for Steve Bruce, who has been changing formations regularly in recent weeks.
The 21-year-old would also add some much-needed energy to the middle of the park for Newcastle, with his current manager Mikel Arteta singing his praises in November by saying: “He’s a player I like – he has some special qualities and he’s showing it with his performances, his goals and his attitude.”
If this gets over the line, it could be a smart piece of business for both clubs, with Arsenal ideally benefiting from him getting regular game-time in the Premier League and the Magpies making a welcome addition to their midfield.
