Arsenal move fast to tie down youngster to long term deal

Arsenal has moved fast to tie down midfielder Joe Willock to a new long-term contract the club confirmed on their official website.

Willock has been impressive this season starting three of Arsenal’s four Premier League games only missing out against Tottenham.

The 20-year-old has been associated with Arsenal since he was just four-years-old and has featured in 20 first-team matches overall.

Willock made his senior debut for Arsenal on 20 September 2017 in the EFL Cup against Doncaster Rovers, his Premier League debut came against Newcastle United on 15th April 2018, his first senior goal came in the Europa League against Vorskla Poltava in a 3–0 away win.

Two of his brothers are also professional footballers, Matty and Chris, who both started their careers off at Arsenal before moving on.

Technical director Edu gave his reaction to Willock putting pen to paper on a new deal saying,

“We’re delighted that Joe has committed his long-term future to us. The hard work of the academy coaches and staff, Joe, his family and everyone behind the scenes have been key to the development of his potential.

“Bringing young players through to the first team from the academy is an important part of our approach and Joe’s progression is a good example for how we want to work in the future. Joe has shown hard work and determination to get this far. He’s continuing to develop and we look forward to him making a big contribution to the club.”

Unai Emery was also full of praise for the youngster

“Joe has progressed a lot in the last year. He is technically strong and has shown the confidence to take responsibility and play his game whatever the occasion or opposition. I’m looking forward to working with to help him develop further and fulfil his potential.” Emery said

This is really good news for both the player and club, Willock is full of potential, it is just a matter of time before he breaks into the England senior squad and will have an integral part to play for Arsenal this season.

12 Comments

  1. Great. Tie a talented youngster with a long-term deal and give him two EPL seasons, then sell him afterwards

    This story sounds like Iwobi’s. But I hope he isn’t gonna end up at another EPL club, because we need his physicality in the middle

    If Arsenal are serious in nurturing their young Gunners, they should start Willock in Watford

    1. The competition among wingers is more (unless you’re super fast and a dribbler).

      So Reiss Nelson has a greater chance of following Iwobi’s footsteps than Willock who is more likely to have a long-term future with the club. Of course, I hope to be wrong and both of them prove they’re worthy of being starters or at least squad players for a huge club like Arsenal.

  2. Well deserved. He’s just turned 20 and doesn’t look out of place in EPL. Hope him and Guendouzi stick around for a long time and keep growing. They’re doing a great job, and I applaud Emery for giving Joe game time, and Joe is taking that chance well.

  3. it is very nice and refreshing to see young talent at our club rewarded, for a change.long may this keep up.unlike some other regimes where young talent was stifled .

  4. Willock and Guendouzi are very talented 2/3 of a midfield. Torreria getting a bit injury prone, so maybe AMN can get a run when we get a back up RB.

    Love seeing the youth, hopefully they can get some game minutes here and there finishing out 90 minutes.

    Bravo Freddie, he’s been fantastic working with the young lads getting them up and ready.

  5. I bloody love Willock and think he’s gonna be amazing for us. Love his confidence and he’s just getting started.

    Him, Nketiah, ESR, Saka, Nelson our future is bright!

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