Pundits claims Arteta in for shock during talks with ‘incredible’ Arsenal man

Arteta.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock could reject Mikel Arteta’s promises of a long-term role after his Newcastle loan spell, one pundit claims.

The 21-year-old emerged as one of the Premier League’s best players in the second half of the season. Amid Newcastle’s battle with relegation, he netted eight goals in 14 games to steer the Magpies to safety. Indeed, he matched Alan Shearer’s club record of scoring in seven successive league games.

As a result, his future will prove a big topic during the summer transfer window.

Gunners boss Arteta has insisted that he sees Willock in his long-term plans. However, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has vowed to test Arsenal’s resolve over a permanent deal.

Reports have indicated that Arsenal could price their Premier League rivals out of a deal with their valuation.

Nevertheless, Kevin Campbell has claimed that Willock could force his own way out of the Emirates Stadium, even if not for a move back to Tyneside.

“Willock might say: ‘No, I want to go’,” Campbell told Football Insider.

“For him to come back and be battling the likes of Thomas Partey and other quality midfielders is a tough ask. He’ll be thinking: ‘I know I can go and play. I’ve proven I can do it’. And It’s not all low teams either.

“He’s scored against Liverpool, he’s scored against Spurs, he’s scored important goals as well.

Transfer Chatter - Barcelona went Pep back as Manchester City focus on Premier League star, while Arsenal and Brighton are negotiating a swap deal.

Transfer Chatter - Barcelona went Pep back as Manchester City focus on Premier League star, while Arsenal and Brighton are negotiating a swap deal.

Barcelona are willing let Ronald Koeman leave in order to bring back Pep Guardiola as Manchester City turn their attention to Jack Grealish, while Arsenal and Brighton remain locked in talks over a potential swap deal, all in today's transfer chatter.

“He’s probably one of the main reasons why Newcastle have stayed up with games to spare. It’s been an incredible loan spell.

“That’s what the loan system is for, to see how these players get on. He’s proved that he can do it.”

However, Campbell added that the pressure will be different at Arsenal if Willock does decide to stay in London.

Willock must decide carefully

“The key thing is, will he have that confidence coming back to Arsenal? There won’t be a lot of chances,” the pundit said.

“When he gets his chances, can he look like the player he was at Newcastle?

“There is pressure at Newcastle but the pressure is different at Arsenal.”


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Meanwhile, doubt has emerged over another Arsenal youngster youngster’s future in north London.

READ MORE: Liverpool hopes hit as Arsenal asked about swap deal involving key target