Newcastle United are desperate to bring Joe Willock back to St James’ Park after his impressive loan spell last season, but Arsenal are keen to keep the 21-year-old and the transfer saga is getting a lot of attention on social media.
Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo believes there is a way Newcastle can land their man, however, and it involves Aston Villa’s summer pursuit of Emile Smith-Rowe.
How are Villa affecting Newcastle’s chances of signing Willock?
Smith-Rowe has an uncertain future at Arsenal after contract talks broke down and Villa have already bid £25m for the 20-year-old which was rejected.
Football Insider say they’re lining up an improved bid for Smith-Rowe, but David Ornstein of The Athletic made it clear last week that Arsenal don’t want to sell, so nothing is guaranteed.
What is the most likely outcome?
Neither club gets their player. Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports and the Guardian is adamant that Arsenal will not sell the 20-year-old and that he’ll sign a new contract, so this is bad news for Villa.
Mikel Arteta hasn’t shown a willingness to cash in on Willock either, so both midfielders could end up staying in North London.
In other news, there is talk of Newcastle signing Josh King to replace Andy Carroll
